SHAH ALAM, Dec 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said since he took over the reins, the government has adopted an open attitude towards the younger generation, especially the university students, in efforts to develop the nation.

As proof, said the Umno president, under his leadership, the federal government amended the University and University Colleges Act to give the younger generation the freedom to think and express their views even if they are critical.

"With the policy of directional planning by the Umno-led government, the younger generation especially undergraduates, are given ample opportunity to hold dialogues.

"They can ask no holds barred questions which make some ministers sweat,” he said at the launch of the Fifth National Student Leadership Conference (PEMANAS 5.0) 2017 at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here, last night.

Also present were Defence Minister and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister and Umno Supreme Council member Tan Sri Noh Omar, Umno education bureau chairman Prof Dr Tan Sri Ibrahim Abu Shah and Pemanas director Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

PEMANAS 5.0, organised by the Umno Education Bureau with the theme, ‘Students, The New Millennium of Malaysian Architects’ was attended by 350 participants and was held for six days, beginning Nov 29 as one of the Umno Pre-General Assembly 2017 events.

The Prime Minister said the Federal Government led by Umno was adopting the open attitude because the party wanted to produce future leaders for the country.

"We understand that today’s generation is a continuation and the current government provides a platform for you to take our country to greater success.

"We provide the platform…we provide the Youth Parliament for youths to debate, we provide an internship programme with the government. One of the leaders’ responsibilities is to prepare the next line of leadership,” added Najib.

He also hoped the younger generation, especially students, would be with the Federal Government and not follow the footsteps of certain former leaders and opposition parties who wanted to tear down what Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) had built.

According to Najib, if Umno and BN continue to rule the country, the party will take the country to the top. — Bernama