A VISIT to the Kem Wawasan Negara in Balik Pulau to witness the Malaysia Future Leaders School (MFLS) programme brought back fond memories for Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“This MFLS programme brings back nice memories to the time when I was a scout.
“We get to discover ourselves, build our identity, be discipline and adopt positive values when we take part in such uniform bodies.
“In my opinion, this is a good programme. It helps to mould youths to be better leaders, and provide them with valuable experience beyond the classroom,” Chow told a press conference after the visit today.
Chow told the group of students, aged 15 to 17, to build their leadership skills.
“First, understand yourself and grow the leader in you. That’s the hardest hurdle.
“Only when you are able to be a leader ‘internally’, you can lead others,” he said.
Chow also thanked the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Education Ministry for their invitation to visit the camp and launch the MFLS programme in Penang.
This 10-day MFLS programme is the 13th out of 15 cohorts (or series of programmes) held. The MFLS programme was first launched at the national-level at Universiti Malaya by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on May 3 this year.
The MFLS programme is implemented by the Institute of Leadership Excellence and Development (i-LEAD), under the Youth and Sports Ministry.
i-LEAD deputy director general (development) Datuk Roslan Eusoff said the MFLS programme was implemented to replace the National Service Training Programme and the National Civics Bureau (also known as Biro Tatanegara).
“The MFLS programme is aimed at benefitting 35,000 youths nationwide. To date, it has benefitted 1,950 youths in Penang,” he said.
Also present were Teluk Bahang assemblyman Zolkifly Md Lazim and Pulau Betong assemblyman Mohd Tuah Ismail.
The entourage witnessed the various outdoor activities performed by the youths at the camp. Among them were group camping, solo camping, beach cleanup, water sport activities, rappel tower training, and river crossing training.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud