A costly makeover for Rakan Muda

TWELVE years later, the Malaysian Government is forking out yet another hefty investment for the youth-oriented programme of Rakan Muda that previously failed to deliver.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on October 29, 1994 launched amidst fanfare the much awaited Rakan Muda programme, at an investment of RM176m ($79m). The Rakan Muda programme was aimed at giving the country's youths a direction and help them gain strength and confidence to face future challenges.

Just how much of confidence was achieved is open to debate. However, like all things in life, Rakan Muda was given a second chance, with its "resuscitation" now costing the Government RM50m.

With so much of the taxpayer's money invested into Rakan Muda, one can only hope that the phase two of Rakan Muda will be a success unlike its predecessor. It is sincerely hoped that the Youth and Sports Ministry has done its homework thoroughly in ensuring the rebranding of the Rakan Muda will appeal to the target group — those between the ages of 10 and 25.

There is no doubt that Rakan Muda is an ambitious project by the Malaysian Government for the youths. Therefore it is vital that its implementation is well thought out and its success assured.

In the Seventh (1996-2000) and Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005), the Youth and Sports Ministry was to construct 19 Rakan Muda sports complexes, of which 16 have been built, costing RM318m in total. Through the Ninth Plan (2006-2010), each district is to have a Rakan Muda complex built on state government land. The smaller complex costs RM2m each while the bigger complex costs between RM17m and RM24m each. The facilities in these complexes include courts for futsal, badminton, squash, tennis, volleyball and sepak takraw besides football pitches and running tracks.

With all the attention given to the Rakan Muda programme, it is hoped that the Youth and Sports Ministry spares no effort in promoting Rakan Muda extensively, making it a success. Also, the existence of the Rakan Muda sports complexes too must be made well known and be accessible, location-wise.

In the case of the previous Rakan Muda programme, one of the reasons for the lacklustre show of support was because youngsters had no way of knowing the activities, when and where. In short, there was no easy avenue for people to obtain information concerning Rakan Muda activities. Hence, the lost of interest among youths.

The new Rakan Muda programme will see children as young as 10 participating in its programmes. There will also be collaboration with the Rukun Tetangga to create holiday camps for youths and ensure that youngsters spend their free time productively.

To disseminate information on its activities, a Rakan Muda Activity Centre will be set up in every constituency, with the first centre taking shape at Penggerang, Johor.

Social problems, the lack of patriotism and the absence of volunteerism, spiritual and religious values among youngsters was worrying.

This called for a more defined Rakan Muda which took into account the problems faced by the youths of today. Youths are the nation's asset and Rakan Muda must serve as an outreach programme to our youngsters and fulfil their needs.

Malaysian Youth Council president Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told Bernama that the change in approach under the phase two of Rakan Muda was timely, keeping in mind the many challenges faced by youngsters today.

"The change in taste plus the diversity of problems faced by youths was a factor that prompted the rebranding of the Rakan Muda programme, not just through a new logo but also through a wide range of programmes made available for youngsters. From sports to entrepreneurship, from nature to arts and innovation, the Rakan Muda Phase Two has it all. So youngsters must not waste the opportunity to benefit from the many programmes available under Rakan Muda Phase Two. What better way to use your time effectively than by learning a new skill? We urge youths to make the most of the Rakan Muda Phase 2 to better themselves," he said.

Bernama