Kota Kinabalu: State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan said he aims to put a full stop to any form of "bureaucracy", if any, which may hinder the development of youths in Sabah. Realising that the State's future depends on youth development at present, he said the ministry remains poised to develop their potential, hence limitations should not exist in its effort.
In his address at the closing ceremony of the State-level Youth Day celebration here, Sunday, he said:
"Any youths can directly report either to the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Datuk Suzannah Liaw, or myself, if any agencies are not cooperating."
He said the ministry wants to eliminate the "distant" relationship it has with the youths and would look into ways of having programmes and activities that are carried out inclusively and according to their aspirations.
This way, the youths would develop a sense of belonging, feel appreciated and are proud of being part of nation building as well as included in the country's mainstream development, said Tawfiq.
"We want to ensure that no groups are influenced by any negative sentiments and ideals which can bring disharmony to the existing peace that the country has experienced all this while," he said.
He said the ministry will also launch its Facebook and Twitter accounts soon, which will serve as a platform for the youths to voice their aspirations on the ministry's policies and directions.
"This way, we (ministry) can increase our interactions with the youthsÉ but having this does not mean they can demand for sponsors but rather a venue for them to voice their positive ideas and aspirations for the ministry," he said.
On another note, Tawfiq said youths involved in any registered bodies would always open the doors of all its 28 youth arenas to conduct activities and also to promote the spirit of volunteerism at any time.
Furthermore, the Youth and Sports Ministry will also introduce the "Young Entrepreneurs Awards" beginning next year to recognise the talents of young entrepreneurs, he added.
"The prizes may be in cash incentives from the ministry and we may also discuss with fund groups to provide incentives to the recipients for them to expand their businesses," said Tawfiq, adding that this is still in the planning stages.
