The Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) has offered itself as a facilitator to address the issue over Parlimen Digital, a platform to bring together youth aspirations, which had recently sparked controversy and public debate.

MYC vice-president Muhammad Sherhan Nizam Abdul Aziz is of the view that the authorities should handle the issue with care as it was natural for young people to express their point of view, though they may seem to be critical or too outspoken.

"The MYC believes that if the government is open and willing to listen to their ideas and have a dialogue, the group could serve as a catalyst in helping and contributing effectively to youth and national development," he said in a statement here today.

The Covid-19 pandemic that hit the country saw the first online mock "parliamentary session" known as Parlimen Digital, which was held for two days beginning July 4. The session brought together 222 youth representatives to debate, discuss, and to "pass laws".

Parlimen Digital was organised by three youth political organisations namely Challenger Malaysia, Undi18, and Liga Demokratik Malaysia. The session held in the national language was aired live on social media platforms for public viewing.

Muhammad Sherhan brought up the example of a separate Youth Parliament platform which was established by the government. He said it had provided more room for the younger generation to voice their ideas and views in tandem with current issues.

"It is not political in nature but more of a platform to discuss and keep youths updated on developing issues and prepare them as future leaders of the country," he said.

The two-day Parlimen Digital session sparked controversy when the organisers and several participants were called in by the police to give their statements.

- Bernama