MELAKA, Aug 14 — Youth issues took centre stage at the 2026 National Congress of Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) today, with motions focusing on stronger engagement with Generation Z (Gen Z), jobs of the future, mental health and social wellbeing.
Three delegates from Perak, Terengganu and Sarawak called on PKR to refine its approach to better reflect the realities and needs of young Malaysians.
Syahnaz Putera Mohd Yaacob, who is Perak AMK Information chief, said PKR faced challenges in winning support from younger voters, particularly Gen Z.
He said the party needs a bolder and more creative approach to engage Gen Z, particularly through digital platforms, while helping them develop their talents and gain access to government opportunities and funding.
“It is a bitter reality we have to accept. Gen Z cast their votes simply because of FOMO, the fear of missing out. When their friends voted and flexed their inked fingers, so they vote too,” he said while tabling the motion.
Syahnaz also suggested helping young people register clubs and associations, giving them formal entities through which they could apply for funding and develop their talents.
Meanwhile, Terengganu AMK chief Md Asyraf Zulfadhly Md Zainudin tabled a motion on future jobs and the gig economy, aimed at expanding income opportunities for young people.
He proposed four measures, namely recognising the gig economy as an employment sector with comprehensive social protection; providing gig workers with pathways to upgrade their skills; expanding upskilling and reskilling programmes; and strengthening links between universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and industry.
Separately, Christopher Jemat Amie, who is Sarawak AMK secretary, highlighted mental health and social wellbeing as key areas that should receive sustained attention under the reform agenda.
He urged the PKR leadership to make mental health and social wellbeing a continuing priority rather than an issue addressed only after tragedies.
“Make mental health and social wellbeing part of the reform agenda. It should not be seasonal or addressed only when tragedy strikes, but pursued continuously,” he said.
“We do not only want to build an advanced nation. We want to build a nation whose people progress as well,” he said. — Bernama
