KOTA SAMARAHAN: Twenty-two children have been appointed as members of the Kota Samarahan Children’s Council.
The initiative involving children, aged between 9 and 16, aims to empower young voices and cultivate leadership among the youth which aligns with the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian described the appointment of the children council as a significant step in fostering inclusivity and youth participation in policymaking.
“This council marks a historic moment as it is being introduced for the first time and has been recognised internationally, particularly by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),” he said.
He said this during the launch of the CFCI and the oath-taking ceremony of the council members held at State Farmers’ Organisation Sarawak (SFO), Kota Samarahan branch today.
Dr Sim also stressed the importance of equipping the young council members not only with leadership training but also foundational values.
“No one is born a leader. Leadership is an opportunity that comes with guidance and training. We want these children to be wiser and more successful,” he said.
Dr Sim then highlighted that the council’s establishment is not merely a symbolic but reflects on Sarawak’s commitment to building a comprehensive state.
“With birth rates declining and an ageing population on the rise, the time will come when more people are dying than being born.
“Therefore, we must prepare our young leaders now, so that one day they will be the ones looking after us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said that the children’s council serves as a platform to channel community input to MPKS.
“The council will help to give inputs regarding the planning and execution of strategies, programmes, and activities that are needed by the children in Kota Samarahan,” he said.
Abang Ismawi also highlighted the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between MPKS and UNICEF on July 10 last year.
“The MoU outlines the implementation of CFCI over a five-year timeline, where it will make Kota Samarahan to be officially recognised as a Child Friendly City.
“This initiative ensures that they grow up in a safe environment with access to basic necessities such as clean water, fresh air, and healthcare,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, UNIMAS vice chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, Samarahan Deputy Resident Rais Ahmat and UNICEF Malaysia Social Policy Officer Yong Li Na.
