The inaugural Malaysian Youth Parliament sitting is set for September, with online elections in July using a proportional representation system.
PEKAN: The inaugural sitting of the Malaysian Youth Parliament is scheduled to commence in September this year.
Its chairman, Datuk Dr Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman, said this follows the completion of an election process slated for July.
He explained that the parliament will convene for six sittings per term, with each sitting lasting three days.
“The sitting format is almost similar to the actual Parliament, but it will be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as most members are working or still studying,” he told a press conference.
Ahmad Husaini, who is also the body’s chief administrator, said the election is expected to utilise an online voting system.
He revealed that about 100,000 youths are expected to register as voters or party members by the end of June.
“So far, there are 12 parties and the number may increase to 13 by the end of this month,” he added.
He noted that each party must first conduct internal elections for its president and leadership lineup around April or May.
The election will operate on a proportional representation system through a closed party list.
“Under this system, the contest is between parties rather than individuals,” Ahmad Husaini clarified.
Each party must submit a list of candidates matching the 222 parliamentary seats, organised by state.
Seat allocation will be based on the popular vote, subject to a five per cent eligibility threshold.
Any party obtaining less than five per cent of the votes will not be entitled to any seats.
The Youth Parliament will focus on debating youth-related motions.
These motions will subsequently be brought to the Special Select Committees in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
“The main objective of the Youth Parliament is to ensure that youth issues are raised and given serious attention, as the voices of young people are crucial to the nation’s future,” Ahmad Husaini added.
