‘Consider having deputy exco members’

THE current line-up of executive councillors (exco) will not be enough for Johor if it hopes to achieve its aim of becoming a developed state by 2030, say youth leaders.

Johor Youth Council deputy president Mohammad Alif A. Rahim said it was high time the state government looked into introducing the deputy exco position.

He added that the move would not only ease the burden of the current exco members but also strengthen the administrative structure of the Unity Government in the state.

“The deputy exco members can provide their own perspectives to fill in any gaps we might have and this will create a more holistic approach.

Khairul says deputy exco members should have power to handle non-critical portfolios.“The introduction of a deputy exco position is not something new and has been practised in Melaka, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“I believe that as Johor continues to develop, more work needs to be done and the current exco members will need help,” he said when contacted.

Mohammad Alif said the appointment of deputy exco members would not only help smoothen the management and administration of the state but also expand the reach of the government to more groups.

He said having more assemblymen in the administration would help in developing the state.

He added that the idea was mooted during a recent Johor Youth Associations Council Meeting in Kota Iskandar.

Meanwhile, Gerakan Belia 4B Malaysia (Johor) chairman Khairul Azlan Sulong said deputy exco members should be given the power to handle non-critical portfolios.

“They can handle the gig economy, social media and communication, arts, heritage and culture portfolios.

“This will ease the burden on the exco members and let them focus more on other tasks at hand like meeting people to address vital concerns,” he added.

He said youth groups could also be appointed as helpers so that it would be easier for young people to be part of any government decision-making process.

Tangkak Youth Council president Imran Shafin Mohd Salbani said the government should start appointing young leaders to local government positions first.

“We have 16 local councils in the state and the majority of current councillors are aged 40 and above.

“We request that one councillor seat in each be given to a young person to allow us to be part of the policy-making of the state and see how council management works.

“This can ensure that any policy that is introduced will be sustainable and holistic,” he said.