A youth parliament in Penang co-organized by the Catholic Church last weekend passed six motions to be submitted to the state assembly.

The event, which was inaugurated last year, brought together 27 people under the age of 25 and from diverse religious backgrounds as a way of getting young people involved in shaping public policy.

The youth parliament was jointly hosted by the state government, the Penang diocese’s campus ministry and local human rights group Suaram.

Representatives passed six of eight motions presented at the parliament covering issues ranging from housing and economic projects to infrastructure development and health care.

Abdul Halim Hussain, speaker of the assembly and chairman of the youth parliament, told representatives that the assembly seeks to engage with young people by visiting universities and discussing the role of the assembly in local and national politics.

Annie Liew Man Lee, an officer with the campus ministry, said the parliament offers a good opportunity for youths to be better informed about their government.

“Young people should realize that they need to adapt themselves to the world they live in. Thus, it is essential that they are aware of the issues that affect them.”