YPA MUST SERVE AS VALUED-ADDED ARM OF AIPA - JOHARI ABDUL

KLANG, May 6 (Bernama) -- The Young Parliamentarians Of AIPA (YPA) must serve as a value-added arm of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) by contributing bold and innovative ideas to secure long-term prosperity in the region, said AIPA president Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Johari also stressed the importance of future-focused planning and emphasised key strategic areas that need urgent attention, including renewable energy, food security, digitalisation, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

“We must think long term. To reap long-term benefits, the right strategies must be put in place now. Without early preparation, long-term goals will remain out of reach,” he told a press conference after officiating the opening of the 2nd Consultative Meeting of YPA here today.

Johari, who is also Dewan Rakyat Speaker, further said that collaboration among academic institutions, universities, and student exchanges should be a core focus, as today's young parliamentarians will eventually shape the region’s future.

“At the end of the day, they are the future policymakers. They will be the ones determining our path forward,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were AIPA secretary-general Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman, Selangor State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San and Paya Besar Member of Parliament Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who is also chairman of the Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy.

At the meeting, Mohd Shahar was also appointed as the new chairman of YPA.

-- BERNAMA