JOHOR BAHRU: The government has provided assurances that it will be open to various views and criticism that will not affect harmony in society, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said.

He shared that many youth had voiced such concerns during the Kembara Jumpa Orang Muda (JOM), an initiative by his ministry through the Registrar of Youth Office (ROY) and the Youth and Sports Department.

“There were questions touching on the government’s openness when faced with criticism and such... (so) we have provided assurances that the government will always remain open but at the same time we cannot jeopardise society’s harmony,” he said at a media conference after officiating the Johor level Kembara JOM here today, adding that youth were interested in job opportunities, education and the amendment to Act 668 that lowered the age limit of youth to 30.

“All this are indicators that through this programme, youth focus on real issues that encompass their lives and environment. This is praiseworthy.

“So we as the government should take note and do the best to ensure we can answer (their questions),” he said.

Adam Adli said that Johor was the fourth state in which Kembara JOM was organised, after Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, with Kuala Lumpur as the next location.

The programme allows stakeholders to provide feedback and views on the draft Youth Leadership Transition Plan directly to the ministry’s highest leadership.

Talks by ROY, Rakan Muda activities and exhibitions by government departments and agencies are also part of the activities of the programme.