KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 -- A group of Malaysian Future Leadership School (MFLS) Tier 3 participants could not contain their excitement when they were given the opportunity to run a parliamentary debate simulation in Parliament today.

For Abdul Halim Baruddin, 18, the one-day Suara Belia programme was a platform to improve debating skills among young people in efforts to prepare them as leaders of the future.

"Through this activity we get the chance to experience the real situation in Parliament, inspiring us to show our potential in the debate arena," he said during a 'luncheon talk' held as part of the programme which was also attended by Dewan Rakyat president. Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.

Another participant Lee Zi Yu, also 18, said the activity helped her to be more aware of the background, role and importance of Parliament in enacting laws and making amendments to existing laws.

"I believe the experience will help increase participants' self-confidence and this is a great platform to develop and improve our communication skills," said Lee who is from Penang.

Suara Belia is one of the activities organised for 240 participants under the MFLS Tier 3 training programme from Jan 31 to March 12.  The programme is aimed at producing youth leaders who will be able to contribute as strategic partners in the nation’s development and play a role at the international level in developing youths with vision and strong identity. 

The MFLS programme is implemented by the Institute of Leadership Excellence and Development (i-LEAD) under the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Meanwhile, i-Lead director-general Abdullah Hassan hoped that participants would capitalise on the opportunities given to them to master skills in becoming an outstanding leader.

"Youths of today face more challenging situations and it is our responsibility to help develop their leadership skills to enable them to take on more responsibilities," he said. -- BERNAMA