KUCHING: Young people must practise critical thinking and make decisions based on facts, principles and truth rather than self-interest or pressure from others.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said one of the increasingly prevalent pressures today was the phenomenon known as the fear of missing out (FOMO), particularly in the use of social media.
“We all know that one of the most harmful pressures today is what we call FOMO. We may comment on anything, but our comments must be factual, courteous and responsible. This will shape our personal values,” he said.
He stated this when speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Premier’s Cup Integrity Debate Competition 2026 here on Tuesday (Aug 11) as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Juanda pointed out the next generation must also have the courage to defend the truth and speak up when they encounter wrongdoing.
However, he stressed that the courage to express an opinion must be accompanied by knowledge, facts and courtesy so that the message could be conveyed and received appropriately.
“Courage must be grounded in facts, knowledge and wisdom. We must say the right thing at the right place and time, and do so courteously. That courtesy will be reflected in the language we use,” he said.
Juanda opined that debate competitions could help develop young people who were not only confident enough to speak up but also capable of assessing facts, constructing arguments and defending their positions rationally.
At the same time, he also reminded young people to make integrity their compass in life, truth their guiding principle and trustworthiness their responsibility in every step they take.
