BEIJING, Aug. 17 -- Gamal Mubarak, son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Chairman of the Policies Committee of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), resorts to the internet as a new means of engaging with the Egyptian youth.

    Gamal Mubarak held Wednesday an online live session through the Facebook social networking website to engage with Egyptian youth and respond to their questions on the party's attitudes towards political and social issues of national concern.

    It is the first time in the Middle East that a politician and future presidency candidate uses the internet to connect with the public.

    In addition, a special website named "Sharek" (Participate) has been established for the sole purpose of broadcasting junior Mubarak's live dialogue.

    Facebook was previously used by American President Barack Obama during his presidency campaign in 2008.

    Such unprecedented internet-engagement in Middle East made by a politician simonizes more closer connection between the government and public.

    Opinions varied about Gamal Mubarak's approach to Egyptian youth by internet.

    SOUNDBITE: An Egyptian young man walking on the street "It is a good idea that he engages with the youth and knows their opinions by himself, without relying on intermediates, because intermediates sometimes give the wrong information."

    SOUNDBITE: Another Egyptian young man "I didn't hear about it. But if Gamal Mubarak does this, it is a good idea to approach the youth, get to know their viewpoints and exchange opinions with them so that if he becomes president one day he would know what the youth and the new generation are thinking."

    Analysts say that Gamal Mubarak is trying to engage with Egyptian youth to win their support and to pave the way for taking over his father's post through the 2011 presidential elections. Others see it as a good step to get acquainted with the Egyptian public directly, as long as the live dialogue has not been already prepared.

    SOUNDBITE: Saad Hagras, editor in chief of Alalamalyoum "The World Today" Newspaper "The idea that he engages with the youth and with people in general is good. Holding dialogue with citizens, listening public opinion and feeling the pulse of Egyptian street is a good thing, provided that it has not been arranged beforehand."

    During Wednesday's live lengthy internet discussion, the junior Mubarak answered participants' questions on the party's attitudes towards political and social issues of national concern, most importantly the sensitive issue of his "inheritance" attempt of Egypt's presidency.

    However, during the online forum, Gamal Mubarak has repeatedly stressed that the ruling party has not yet determined to nominate him for the coming presidential elections.

    XinHua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)