PETALING JAYA: While critics claim political parties have neglected grooming young successors, several rising leaders from the ruling coalition insist that their parties are actively preparing the next generation of leadership.
Selangor Executive Councillor Mohd Najwan Halimi of PKR said the party is among the few with a strong youth presence at state and federal levels.
“For example, in Selangor, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari is still in his 40s. At the federal level, we have rising figures such as Dr Taufiq Johari, who is only in his early 30s,” he told theSun.
He said while there are no shortcuts to national leadership, the party’s structure remains open to young leaders.
“There is a clear and transparent process. We are not giving fast-tracks. We are providing space and grooming potential leaders, such as Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Adam Adli and others, at the state level,” said Najwan, 40.
The Shah Alam PKR division chief added that while DAP’s succession efforts may appear more visible, PKR is steadily building its own transition.
“Yes, our president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is almost 80 years old, but those directly under him, such as the deputy president and vice-presidents, are mostly in their 40s. This shows that a clear leadership transition is under way,” he said.
Najwan cited leaders such as Amirudin, now serving his second term as menteri besar, and other rising names such as Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who is also a
vice-president, as well as Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
“These are the next generation of leaders being groomed to take over when the time comes.”
Meanwhile, nearly 50% of Amanah’s national leadership comprises young leaders, said its secretary-general Faiz Fadzil.
He said Amanah’s relatively recent establishment has created vast opportunities for youth involvement and leadership development.
“Amanah is a young party with strong potential to produce future political figures. About half of our national leadership consists of youth, making it a promising platform for young people to sharpen their skills and step forward in politics,” said Faiz, 48.
He described Amanah as a party that naturally appeals to young Malaysians, with a leadership structure that includes many young figures and provides space for more to play active roles.
Faiz said Amanah’s open and inclusive culture encourages participation from members at all levels, particularly the younger generation, and the party is preparing its second-echelon leadership to take over in the next five to 10 years.
“The next generation is already in place. Apart from myself, there are emerging leaders such as Defence Deputy Minister Adly Zahari, former Cabinet member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, MP Suhaizan Kaiat, Selangor assemblymen Anfaal Saari and
Abbas Salimi Azmi, and our youth chief Hasbie Muda, who is a senator.
“These are young leaders already active at the top. In the next general election, we will showcase even more young candidates.”
Faiz said Amanah’s progressive and reformist ideals align closely with the values and aspirations of young Malaysians, stressing that the party backs its youth empowerment talk with action.
“For instance, our youth chief plays a direct role at the national level and many young members serve in key decision-making bodies.”
He added that several state Amanah chapters are led by youth, including in Pahang, Kedah, Penang and Sabah.
