SHAH ALAM, July 3 — The quality of debates among participants of the 2026 Selangor Youth Assembly (ADN Muda) programme has shown significant improvement, with greater focus given to policy issues that directly affect the people.
State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San said differing opinions during the simulation sitting, which reflected the atmosphere of an actual assembly, were handled maturely and remained under control.
“We experienced a slightly heated atmosphere when the youth representatives debated a motion on mental health.
“There, we saw some differences of opinion and heated scenarios, but the sitting was able to continue without any untoward incidents,” he told a press conference at the State Annex building here yesterday after chairing the sitting.
Meanwhile, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran said the programme not only encouraged youth participation in democracy but also provided a platform for them to voice their views on issues affecting the younger generation.
“This is an opportunity for them to participate in debating policies that impact their lives, as the voices of adults do not always mirror those of the youth.
“Platforms like this allow them to be heard more clearly, and I hope more young people will get involved,” he said after wrapping up the debate on motions concerning special youth rental housing, or co-living, and legal awareness among youth.
Kota Damansara assemblyman Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim said he was impressed by the participants’ maturity in presenting arguments based on facts and data.
He noted that their speeches were more structured, mature and convincing, reflecting an improvement in the quality of debates compared with previous editions.
He added that the programme served as a crucial space for youth to understand the lawmaking process at the state legislative level.
“Participants are directly exposed to how policies are discussed, debated and decided, which helps enhance their understanding of the state’s administration and legislative systems.
“I was a former ADN Muda participant back in 2016 or 2017. So, if this programme continues next year, I urge the youth to participate,” he said.
The Selangor ADN Muda programme, held over two days from Wednesday, involved 56 youths selected from 232 applicants.
All motions were decided through a voting process, allowing participants to debate issues related to the community and propose potential solutions to be brought forward to the state assembly.
The programme, introduced in 2014, aims to expose youth aged between 18 and 35 to democratic processes, policy formulation and state assembly proceedings.
