Youths engage in passionate debate in the inaugural episode of Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2023

The Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2023, jointly organised by Malaysiakini and KiniEvents, and proudly supported by The Body Shop Malaysia as the Changemaker Partner, along with Taylor's College as the Youth Empowerment Partner, kicked off on 27 May with its inaugural episode that focused on the crucial topic of parental leave.

The primary objective of the debate was to provide young individuals a platform to voice their views, perspectives, and recommendations regarding the current parental leave policies in Malaysia. Additionally, the discussion was aimed at determining the necessity of introducing additional parental leave for parents, regardless of their children's age, to foster healthier households.

Ten astute youth representatives from across the country presented their arguments – five for and five against – the motion on the Implementation of Parental Leave in Malaysia, namely flexible parental leave of 120 days, to be divided between the two parents as they see fit.

As a simulation of Parliament, the debaters were split equally into the government and opposition camps. Each were given 3 minutes to passionately present their arguments, alternating between the two camps, followed by a lively question-and-answer session where the two teams strived to poke holes in the arguments of the opposing team.

The government debaters argued that parental leave in Malaysia is predominantly focused on parents with newborn children though the reality is that parents continue to play a vital role in caring for and nurturing their children until they reach their teenage years and beyond. They argued that implementation of this motion would not only strengthen the parents’ bond with their children, but also help to narrow the gender inequality.

The opposition debaters argued that given Malaysia’s current economic development, the current parental leave allocation of 98 days post-pregnancy maternity leave and seven days paternity leave is sufficient. Having 120 days of leave, translating to four moths, would be counterproductive and given the vagueness of how the 120 days should be split, this could in fact cause more gender inequality rather than narrow the gap, they argued. They reasoned that there are more feasible alternatives, such as allowance to work from home for 2-3 days a week, and more flexible hours.

A Fresh Perspective on Paternity Leave

The Body Shop Malaysia, renowned for its commitment to women's rights, has always transcended its role as a mere beauty brand. Believing in the potential of the youths to drive change within the nation, they recognise that many young individuals today are mature and attentive to issues surrounding parental leave. Consider the potential benefits of enhanced parental leave: improved home life, better work-life balance for parents, heightened job satisfaction, and a positive outlook on careers and employers. If these advantages were to materialise, they would undoubtedly contribute to a thriving working lifestyle.

Although parental leave may not currently impact the youths directly, its implications extend to their future as potential parents and also to their parents who are currently part of the workforce.

One of the judges, Molly Fong, Chief Executive Officer of The Body Shop Malaysia, commended the lively discourse led by exceptionally talented young individuals. "Youths are changemakers and have a voice which needs to be heard. It was insightful to watch the debaters engage; all of them had valid points that were well presented and argued. We believe that youths need to be seen and be heard and through these debates, we can hear their voices.”

A total of 3,618 online voters actively participated in the Youth Parliamentary Debathon voting system. From the 10 statements/proposals submitted by the youth representatives, Muhammad Aizaq Ariff's "The Lack of Parental Leave Will Cause the Collapse of Family Institutions" received the highest vote, garnering 84% of the total votes.

Muhammad Aizaq Ariff, a 20-year-old debater representing Dewan Waghih Siswa Negeri Sembilan, was also awarded the title of Most Popular Debater for the pilot episode of the Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2022.

Following closely behind, Muhammad Amirul Aseri's statement: "Insufficient Parental Leave Undermines Gender Equality and Hampers Parent-Child Bonding" secured 80% of the votes. Amirul, hailing from the government bench, was also recognised as the Best Debater by the panel of judges for his outstanding performance during this session.

All the issues and suggestions presented by the debaters will be documented and submitted to the relevant ministries.

Click here to watch the replay of this inaugural episode of the Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2023.

For further information on the Youth Parliamentary Debathon visit this website.

For any enquiries, please contact

Iman Ridzwan

Events Producer

[email protected]  

Shuhada Natasha

Event Coordinator

[email protected]