These are interesting times. The outcome of the 12 ^th general election has brought a wave of changes – for better or worse – to the current political climate. Questions that arise in every one’s mind is where this new administration will take us all, and issues such as accountability, corruption and appropriate use of resources are more pertinent than ever.

And youths are certainly not any less concerned about these issues, nor are they any less willing to have a fair share of say in the governance of Malaysia. In fact, the role of youths in these new changes which we see now cannot be denied.

Together with people more adult than them, hordes of youths came up, volunteered their time and energy to inform, exchange and organise collective action to demand changes in the administration of this country.

Whether it was teams of youths under non-governmental organisations and student groups or lone individuals exchanging information on Facebook, youths had strong opinions on the governance of this country. And they remain to have strong opinions and concerns about Malaysia’s destiny.

Different youths in this country have different concerns and experiences, with ethnicity, sex, geography and social class being some of the contributory factors. But what unites youths is their potential in contributing to the decision-making process of this country, with idealism, resourcefulness, responsiveness and resilience being common strengths of youths.

And more importantly, the fact that youths are tomorrow’s leaders cannot be under-emphasised. One day, they will take up the platform and make key decisions that will impact how resources are used and other people are treated.

Differences among our youths must be taken advantage of, whereby these differences are analysed and discussed in the spirit of healthy exchange and fair treatment for all. Thus, it is important to groom today’s youths so they become competent, just and democratic leaders of tomorrow.

But the sad fact remains that Malaysian youths lack the proper resources and avenues which enable them to assertively voice their opinions and concerns. More often than not, Malaysian youths are merely seen as valuable consumers groups, with their entertainment and luxury needs marketed towards them at almost every whim.

But their potential of being agents of change – social, economic, technological – has often been underestimated and ignored.

The National Youth Consultation Conference aims to change this and encourages youths to assume a greater role in the decision-making process, in line with the values of good governance such as participation and inclusiveness.

Youths must have a say in the eradication of poverty and corruption, the demand for elected and appointed leaders to be accountable, the shaping of non-discriminatory polices and the efficient allocation of resources.

Again, these principles such as accountability and efficiency are backbones to good governance, which is often regarded vital to nation-building, sustainable development and a healthy democracy.

In conjunction with International Youth Day with the theme: "Youth, It’s Time to Take Action", we invite youths of Malaysia to walk with us on August 9, 4 pm at Bintang Walk. Here’s a chance for youth to put forward their issues in creative ways.

Youths have opinions and concerns about where Malaysia is heading, and they are not any less valid because of their age and supposed ‘naivety’.

Together, let’s work towards a more inclusive, transparent and democratic society. Any enquiries, please contact Boon 012 959 8210 or visit here .

The writer is secretariat member of National Youth Consultation Conference.