Gov't moves to redefine 'youth' from under-40s to under-30s

PARLIAMENT | Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the youngest member of cabinet, has moved to redefine 'youth' as those under the age of 30 through an amendment to the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2007.

The youth and sports minister tabled the amendment for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat this morning.

At present, Section 2 of the act defines 'youth' as a person over the age of 15 and under the age of 40.

The amendment bill states that the definition of 'youths' being under 30 is set out in the Malaysian Youth Policy, and is in line with international standards.

"The rationale for lowering the maximum age limit of youth is to ensure the sustainability of future leadership for the nation, reduce the generation gap among youths, accelerate the process of youth maturity and reduce risk behaviours in youth groups," read an explanatory statement accompanying the bill.

A tabled amendment to Section 12 of the act pertains to office bearers of youth societies, and will require them to be under the age of 30 at the time of appointment.

"The proposed amendment also seeks to shorten the period to hold office as head of a youth society from six years to four years continuously.

"The purpose of this amendment is to create more opportunities for members of youth societies to hold office, and to enhance the leadership skills of more youths," the statement read.

With the reduced age limit, Section 15 of the same act will also be amended to disqualify any persons from office upon turning 30.

The bill, however, provides an exemption for all appointed or elected office bearers currently between the ages of 30 and 40, who will be allowed to remain in their posts until the end of their terms.

The second and third readings of the bill are expected to be tabled at a later date during the current parliamentary session, which ends on July 18. - Mkini