![Malaysian Governance and the UNFCCC]()
by admin | Jul 15, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2018
The Malaysian Youth Delegation’s fifth training series was organised with a little twist. We all got to dress up in our colourful festive clothings, while being engaged in an intense session on Malaysian governance for climate change mitigation plans. The workshop provided a brief overview and highlighted significant challenges faced by the previous Malaysian government. Not only that, the session allowed us to scrutinise the new government’s manifesto pertinent to climate change and environmental issues.
Adrian introducing his topic to the audience
Our trainer, Adrian Yeo is the former policy advisor to Selangor State Government on environmental issues and the founder of #PowerShiftMsia. Certainly, this area is his forte. Yeo introduced the session with United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The main criticism of the MDGs was the fact that it was very ambitious with 8 goals, yet being limited in terms of outreach – many stakeholders were working in silos pursuing their causes. Hence, the SDGs were established as an approach to diversify and expand the outreach. These goals were simply a guideline to lead a nation’s plan for holistic growth, which tended to be ignored unless a government decides to implement these recommendations through policies and law enactment.
Moving forward, Adrian succinctly described Malaysia’s development plans which were: New Economic Policy (1971-1990) or Dasar Ekonomi Baru, Vision 2020 (1991-2020) or Wawasan 2020, and the most auspicious policy drafted by the previous government being Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) or National Transformation 2050 (2020-2050).
Although the national plans considered the environmental implications and integrated climate change aspects, the first two plans did not prioritise climate change aspects at all. This was due to the major concern of developing the nation – the notion of sacrificing our natural resources was acceptable in exchange for better healthcare, economy, and quality of life in general. He remarked, “climate change was not sexy at that time” while referring the first two development plans but it was “sexier” for the past 10 years because it yielded funding and that most people looked at climate change as a singular or separate issue of development.
He further added that even scientists could not conclude wholly on the cause of climate change and he affirmed that people who translated and interpreted policies had to do better to communicate the cause of climate change to the public.
https://www.facebook.com/MYDclimate/videos/1829512677344413/
Besides creating public awareness, policy makers have to identify the focal point within a governance to create a lasting impact. The focal point for creating significant impacts lies in the plans by the government. Specific to Malaysia’s context, the main driving plan is often long term such as the New Economic Policy plan and the Vision 2020 plan. It is further specified into a five-years operational plan, which is then translated into the annual budget plan at the federal level. Then, every state will be responsible to table their own annual agenda with a budget and then towards the local council within each state. The operational plans and the budgeting have to be synchronised and aligned to achieve the larger vision as stated in the long term national plan.
Identifying the right channel and target audience ultimately creates a prominent impact. Hence, it is important for us as civil societies to identify the level of engagement and put proper pressure in creating and effective engagement through policies implementation. Basically, the commitments drawn in the Paris Agreement have to be acknowledged and placed in the right documents for the relevant stakeholders to be accountable in curbing climate change.
Attentive participants listening to Adrian
Also in this session, the relationship between the federal and state governments were also discussed. Shaqib, a member of the youth parliament was invited to provide a concise overview regarding the separation and overlapping of powers between the state and federal governments of Malaysia. Adding to this, he also reiterated the formation of Malaysian government since the pre-independence days for us to have a clearer understanding on how the country’s governance ran based on the Westminster system. Shaqib illustrated an acute issue that prevailed whereby, civil society members often face the problem to clarify the roles of the member of parliament (MP), member of legislative assembly (ML), as well as the representative of our local council- co. Putting it simply, the members of parliament conduct matters on the federal level such as acknowledging the international agreements, national policies, law amendments and gazetting. Consecutively, the members of the legislative assembly remain responsible to translate the federal law to the states’ law, and lastly, the local councillor implements laws and policies. This implied that if you represent a grassroots group, it might be more beneficial to engage with the councillor, whereas if you are a policy maker, lobbying towards the members of legislative assembly or the members of parliament would be more effective.
Shaqib, providing a concise overview regarding the separation and overlapping of powers between the state governments and the federal government of Malaysia.
Furthermore, to contextualise the discussion regarding the state list, federal list as well as concurrent list, one of the participant raised a question regarding the aboriginals in Malaysia. Matters pertaining to the aboriginals are under the federal list, however the forest and land issues came under the state list. The particular aboriginal group may lose their land to developmental projects since lands are not gazetted by the federal government. Hence, it is justifiable for a state to use their land according to their developmental plans. Additionally, matters on the concurrent list required deliberation from both the federal government and state government.
However, the entity that has more money are more favourable to implement their plans and policies. There is nothing enlightening about this fact, considering that money talks. Merely, it serves as a reminder for fellow activists to get to the right focal point for making a legitimate and long-lasting impact.
Despite the prevailing circumstances, #MalaysiaBaru manifestoes by the current government “Harapan” Coalition or the Pakatan Harapan seem hopeful as they had integrated climate change aspects and sustainable development vision. However, there were several loopholes in their promises especially those promises apposite to time.
Among their promises related to the environment were: Enforce the lodging quota strictly so that our forests are conserved, increase renewable energy through renewable resources from the current 2 percent to 20 percent by 2020, and nd set up a “National Coordination Council for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation” that will coordinate the actions of the federal, state, and local government to address the challenges of climate change.
These promises have its fault. Nonetheless, it is an aspiration for the new government paving their way to address climate change and environmental issues. It is also important to note that there is a new cabinet portfolio that is the Ministry of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment. Having a ministry to address climate change is great, yet all its actions could be in vain if the relevant stakeholders do not work together.
All the dressed-up participants for an informative session on the Malaysian Governance.
As citizens of Malaysia, it is vital for us to keep our leaders accountable to the words spewed during campaigns and see if it is translated into developmental plans. We have to keep up with the timeline to ensure that we are progressing towards the right direction. Nevertheless, the discussion was compelling as it established a shared sentiment that there is no one direct solution for climate change issues and we should work together.
https://www.facebook.com/MYDclimate/photos/a.1831004967195184.1073741835.1728653244097024/1831005873861760/?type=3&theater
Not only that, members of civil societies need to be proactive, instead of barking up the wrong tree so that the core problems can be identified and solutions could be proposed to the relevant stakeholders. After all, it is easier to solve a problem when we are aware of the relationships that exist in the current matrix.
Written by Eira
Edited by Varun
![MYD 2018 Retreat Reflection – Chen Hui Ling]()
by admin | Jul 1, 2018 | #MYD, Blog, MYD2018
The Malaysian Youth Delegation hosted the annual Retreat at EPIC Collective over the weekend of the 28th and 29th April 2018. New members were asked to reflect the activities they took part in, what they learned along the way, and what they took away from the experience. Here’s what our new members had to say:
Chen Hui Ling
By Chen Hui Ling
The first time that I heard about MYD was from a talk delivered by Adrian prior to COP 23. However, doubting my capabilities and thoughts of having to juggle between academics, commitments in clubs and attending MYD have put off my desire of wanting to be part of an NGO, let alone being a youth delegate.
This time around, I have gathered enough information from my coursemate, Azam, who was a delegate for COP23. Along with the encouragement from a few others, I made the decision to join MYD. Another decision that I had to make was whether or not to attend the retreat, which was set on the most crucial time period, the assignment deadlines and study week. Regardless, I attended the retreat and did not regret one bit.
Throughout this entire retreat, I have learnt that I knew almost nothing. The way the world works is just so different than I had thought it would be. My favourite part of the retreat would definitely be the history lesson, if not the toilet agreement, where we were fed information about the birth of the UNFCCC, the well-known Paris Agreement and lots of other agreements that I never knew of.
This retreat have taught me valuable skills, and in particular, negotiating with people. Through the negotiation of annex and non-annex one in the ‘toilet agreement’, I have come to realise that we as humans often forget to think from others perspective, to stand in someone’s shoes when making decisions. I have also learnt that being with the right people helps in building my confidence and pushing me towards my goal. I have been inspired by so many people, and I can’t wait to be inspired more.
Overall, I have enjoyed myself and have learnt a lot throughout this retreat. Malaysian youths like myself don’t really get exposed to issues regarding climate change, and more often than not, people don’t realise the urgency of climate change. Being together with a group of like-minded people have shown me how making a change is possible, and how we can all strive together in making a difference.
![MYD 2018 Retreat Reflection – Lim Fang Hui]()
by admin | Jul 1, 2018 | #MYD, Blog, MYD2018
Lim Fang Hui
The Malaysian Youth Delegation hosted the annual Retreat at EPIC Collective over the weekend of the 28th and 29th April 2018. New members were asked to reflect the activities they took part in, what they learned along the way, and what they took away from the experience. Here’s what our new members had to say:
As a person coming from a legal background, climate change is of a brand new area for me. During the session by Adrian Yeo on the history of UNFCCC, the session was not dull at all as he presented it with jokes and made us understand things easily. I learnt the term ‘protocol’ which refers to the mechanism (i.e. how to do it) and other terms such as global north which refers to developing countries. With reference to the Paris Agreement, I was made to understand that 197 countries signed the agreement, with only 175 countries ratifying it.
In the session by Ms Shakila on climate policies, I was made to understand yet another bunch of new terms. For instance, terms like geothermal and biofuel, which are new terms introduced to me. Thereafter, we were given a task to build a house which was to be weather resistant. We were given approximately 40 minutes to complete a house with newspaper and tape as the only materials given to us. Each of my group members discussed on methods to design a house within such a short period of time. We came up with an idea to roll the paper to make it strong for the house. What amazed me was that my group members worked really hard together and executed ideas on how to complete the house.
Right before dinner, we were asked to play a game in which we arranged the sequence of a set of climate change related logos. There were many logos which I had never heard of such as TWN, KETTHA and CETDEM – just to name a few.
The first day of the retreat ended with a screening of the movie “Before the Flood” starring Leonardo DiCaprio which was an eye opening experience for myself as I learnt that our diet as a human being can affect climate change through the consumption of beef. I personally think that everyone should watch this documentary to understand, care more and acknowledge the fact that we should do something to improve climate change.
On the second day, a few of the previous Malaysian Youth Delegation members shared their knowledge on the COP that they attended, which really inspired me to join the upcoming COP 24 in Poland. Phoenix pointed out that the Malaysian Youth Delegation journey is equally important if you cannot make it to attend COP. I truly understand that there is a lot of work needed to be done before attending this conference. Otherwise, efforts to attend COP would be futile. I could see so many capable youngsters within the Malaysian Youth Delegation who embody their achievements, which really amazed me.
Last but not least, the assignment on the ‘toilet agreement’ was where we were asked to create an agreement based on the scenario given, which proved to be quite challenging to myself. As my group members had to be split into two parties, we had to come to an agreement on the matter at hand. Negotiations skills are important in life to ensure that both parties come to an agreement. During the assignment we were “enemies”, but after the assignment we became friends again!
In conclusion, this retreat really amazed me with the fact that the younger generation does care about climate change, which is a good sign. From this retreat, I realized that there are many people out there who are better than us, who will then inspire us to be a better person in life as the knowledgeable individuals and amazing people come from different backgrounds. I cannot be thankful enough to be selected, to be part of the Malaysian Youth Delegation in 2018 and am looking forward to working together with all of you.
![MYD 2018 Retreat Reflection – Renee Tan]()
by admin | Jul 1, 2018 | #MYD, Blog, MYD2018
The Malaysian Youth Delegation hosted the annual Retreat at EPIC Collective over the weekend of the 28th and 29th April 2018. New members were asked to reflect the activities they took part in, what they learned along the way, and what they took away from the experience. Here’s what our new members had to say:
Renee Tan
By Renee Tan
The term ‘retreat’, which suggests that one is to run away and cower in terror, had the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) executing the exact opposite. Over the course of two days, the team empowered us individuals to take matters into our own hands and to challenge the looming issues of climate change, head-on. I was ready to hop to it, equipped with the newly acquired education from the talks by members of the Malaysian environmental industry.
One of the talks that stood out to me was by Ms Shakila, the head of sustainability at Cenergi who stressed that government policies are not encouraging the industry to make a change in their ways of production. Shakila also touched on the inner workings of Cenergi and explained that the company pens papers to government bodies with the purpose of encouraging them to tailor their policies in a manner that would increase market growth, sustainably. This was an eye-opener to me as I learnt how policies are created and subsequently put into play in the real world which is in line with how the MYD contributes towards the United Nations climate change conferences.
I was exposed to a constant learning process during this period of time be it through the hands on-activities or the knowledge sessions that were wholeheartedly administered by the committee members. Their dedication was evident as I witnessed their passion and drive for the environment which I, in turn, hope to embody as a new member of the MYD family. They also shared their past experiences which I felt was extremely humble of themselves as they got down to the nitty gritty of the mistakes and hardships faced during the lead up to the conferences at the year-end period. It was encouraging to meet and network with a sea of both new and familiar faces – individuals with such rousing spirits for the environment – accompanied by yummy food, laughs and learning. As I wait in anticipation for what’s to come, I am grateful for the privilege of being the voice for the nation’s youth in the field of climate change and am at the ready to contribute to the implementation of new policies.
![MYD 2018 Retreat Reflection – Sarah Edrina]()
by admin | Jul 1, 2018 | #MYD, Blog, MYD2018
The Malaysian Youth Delegation hosted the annual Retreat at EPIC Collective over the weekend of the 28th and 29th April 2018. New members were asked to reflect the activities they took part in, what they learned along the way, and what they took away from the experience. Here’s what our new members had to say:
Sarah Edrina
By Sarah Edrina
When was the last time I typed on Word? I remember when I was more active in writing articles, my thoughts used to flow like poetry and had emotive qualities to them. I wrote from emotions and a truth deep within myself. So, when I got the task to write on about the retreat, I was quite worried. I wanted to do a video, but I won’t embarrass myself.
28th April 2018
The event started with an ice-breaking session to get to know new friends and there were activities held to bond us as a group. An introduction to the Malaysian Youth Delegation was actually enlightening as I gained exposure on the things they did all this time that I had put a blind eye to – in achieving climate justice globally through the involvement of youth. Then, Ms. Lavanya; WWF representative, spoke on the early history of UNFCCC and COP. She did talk about the micro-stories of what happened in the previous COP. It was a good session to me as I did learn a lot of things about COP and Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol and the politics behind climate justice. p/s: (I love her – all hail women empowerment).
After that, Thomas’s session with us on the history of COP and agreements was mind-blowing. The history that I knew and read on COP was actually just a glimpse of Tom Cruise. He explained to us about the sexy agreements and the beginning of COP. I love history since I was a kid so I did listen to the whole session and I am proud to say, I had so much fun internally.
Later that day, Ms. Shakila; Head of Sustainability of Cenergi SEA Sdn. Bhd gave a talk about renewable energy and focusing on energy efficiency projects by her company. I find it very beneficial as I’d never knew these projects are running in my own country! She did explain about the solar energy projects that have been a success and hydro projects as well as answered my question on the acceptance by Malaysians on renewable energy.
At the end of the day, we had a screening of ‘Before The Flood’. As a movie/ documentary freak, I didn’t want to miss this, plus, it was produced by the angel of my heart, Leonardo Dicaprio. I was truly amazed by his achievements in his involvement with the UN and climate change. He fought hard in maintaining his responsibility as a human being and most importantly, as a public figure. In a nutshell, the first day of the retreat was magnificent!
29th April 2018
Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the second day as I had high fever. My group mates were so nice to text me and I appreciate the friends that I created here. I couldn’t express much on what I feel and experience cause I was not there but every time I miss something vital, I’ll ask someone to explain. At least, I could get a grip of it.
My friends told me that they listened to talks by the MYD members on their experiences and journey to COP and working in this field. Plus, they did listen to a session where they explained on role of global south and global north countries and progress of climate policies, globally.
Conclusion
My foray into climate studies has crystalised that further. Growing up, I admit that my exposure on climate and environment was limited but I believe in the power of seeking knowledge. I want to get involved in this to ensure that I can help my home as much as I can and as a firm believer that climate justice is not just about caring about the Earth but beyond. It’s humanity work and the truth about humanity is to acknowledge and immerse oneself in the ocean of emotions.
I believe that to lower down the global temperature to 1.5 degree Celsius as mentioned in the Paris Agreement could be a success if everyone put their hands together and contribute to this good will. After all, it is our home.
Looking forward to work together with the team in obtaining great success for Malaysia in fighting for climate justice.
