by Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarawak youths are generally very happy with the present state administration, according to the findings of a study conducted by the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) which has yet to be released.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed today that the ‘Sarawak Youth Index — Quality of Life and Well Being’ report will need to be tabled to the State Cabinet before deciding on a date for its launching and making it available for the public.
“The survey report is still under strict embargo as it has not been presented to the state government. When released, Sarawak will be the third state after Sabah and Johor respectively to have an index on youth,” he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Youth Development Committee 2019 meeting at a hotel here.
IYRES, he explained, took about one year to conduct the survey, compile the findings and come up with the extensive report which includes measures for happiness, aspirations, and even political views of youths in Sarawak.
“There were more than 13,000 respondents aged between 15 to 30-years-old involved in the survey from across all 40 districts in Sarawak including the rural and interior,” he said.
“The content is very detailed including the youth’s aspirations even up to politics like whether they are happy with the present state administration. And yes, Sarawak youths are very happy with the current administration,” he added.
“Actually if you go down to the ground, you can feel it also.”
On the reasons for the satisfaction and happiness, he said: “They are very passionate about Sarawak rights. It goes across the board whethere they are Malay, Chinese or Dayaks.”
He emphasised that Sarawakians were very sensitive about the rights of the state, notably on wealth which people felt was not being equitably shared.
When asked if the survey could provide indications for the next election, Abdul Karim brushed aside the consideration and emphasised that it was not meant for election use but the data is crucial for the state government to chart the direction of development and formulate policies for youths.
“While politics is just a small part of it, what we have will assist us to be more aware of the needs of our youths and what we can do for them in both rural and urban areas,” he added. — DayakDaily
