Ahmad Zahid proposes leadership and political training for student representative councils
JOHOR BAHRU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed that Student Representative Councils (MPP) at higher education institutions be given structured exposure to leadership and political education through a dedicated training programme aimed at developing future national leaders.
Ahmad Zahid said the proposed initiative would provide student leaders with a better understanding of Malaysia’s political landscape while equipping them with leadership skills, governance knowledge and greater awareness of national issues.
Speaking at the Apa Khabar Siswa? programme at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan (PIS), he said the programme could be implemented with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and would involve MPP representatives from universities and higher education institutions nationwide.
He expressed hope that, with the approval of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, student representatives could participate in specially designed leadership courses to broaden their understanding of politics and prepare them to become responsible future leaders.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the proposed programme is intended to expose students to the realities of Malaysia’s political environment and encourage the development of mature leadership capable of contributing positively to the nation’s future.
He added that the government is prepared to facilitate and fund the initiative should there be sufficient interest from Student Representative Councils across the country.
Ahmad Zahid said a similar approach had already been introduced through UMNO’s Political School (SPU), which provides political and leadership exposure to university students, and suggested that the concept could be expanded to benefit a wider group of student leaders.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the growing influence of young voters in determining the outcome of the Johor state election, noting that voters aged 40 and below now make up approximately 51.5 per cent of the electorate.
He said the demographic includes those aged 18 as well as first-time voters, making youth participation increasingly significant in shaping the state’s political future.
Ahmad Zahid urged young Malaysians to make informed decisions when casting their ballots, stressing that every vote carries long-term implications for the country’s political direction and governance.
Reflecting on his own experience, he said his political journey began during his time as a student leader at the University of Malaya, where he first became actively involved in campus leadership.
While acknowledging that not every young person needs to pursue an active political career, Ahmad Zahid encouraged students to remain politically informed and understand national issues so they can participate responsibly in the democratic process.
He also reminded young voters not to take their voting rights for granted, saying informed electoral participation remains essential in determining the future leadership and direction of the country.
