BTN to be abolished, says Syed Saddiq
The National Civics Bureau (BTN) will be abolished in the near future, according to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
“We do not want BTN, it will be abolished,” he said during a forum titled “The changed political landscape and the aspirations of the youth” at Sunway University, here today.
He was commenting on the government’s move to shut down the BTN, which has been drawing criticism over the years with allegations that the bureau is used for the indoctrination of racism and bigotry, and only serves its political masters.
Touching on a separate matter, the Muar MP said that he was committed to lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years of age.
“I’m committed to make it happen by this term, Pakatan Harapan (PH) term of governance.
“We should not underestimate the wisdom of an 18-year-old and overestimate the wisdom of those above 50,” he Syed Saddiq.
He added that as soon as PH makes the announcement to allow 18-year-olds to vote, big incentives would be given to political parties to reach out to these voters.
“Young voters are much more open-minded, they are also open to dialogue and forum and keen on a multiracial Malaysia,” he added.
He said, however, that the concept of identifying with a Malaysian identity by the youths could never be achieved if there were no institutional reforms. — Bernama
Source: The Sun daily
This article first appeared in the Sun Daily on July 9, 2018
