Youth Leaders over 30 Can Remain in Posts Until Next Election, Says Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, july 22 – Youth leaders who exceed teh age of 30 after ⁤the new‍ youth age limit ⁤takes effect on January⁣ 1, 2026, will be ⁢permitted to continue in their current ⁣positions until their⁢ respective organisations’ next elections. This ‍provision⁣ was clarified today by Youth and sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

However, Yeoh stressed that these incumbent leaders will not be eligible for renomination, as per Section 6 of the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act⁤ A1602).

Transitioning Youth ⁤Membership and Leadership

The amendment to Act 668, through Act A1602, ⁤will redefine eligibility for ordinary membership in youth organisations.Starting January 1, 2026,⁣ individuals who ⁢have reached or surpassed the age of 30⁤ and do not hold an office will ⁤no longer be considered ordinary members. Consequently, they will forfeit their right⁤ to vote or be elected at annual general meetings.

Alternative ⁢roles and Ministry Support

Despite the age restriction for ordinary membership and leadership, Yeoh indicated that those ‍exceeding the age limit can ⁣still contribute to youth organisations in other capacities. These roles may include serving as advisors, mentors, facilitators, mobilisers, youth workers, or alumni, provided such⁢ positions are permitted by the organisation’s constitution.To facilitate this transition, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has been ⁢collaborating with the Registrar of Societies (ROS). This⁣ engagement aims to assist youth organisations,office bearers,and members who⁣ will reach the age of 30 in finding suitable ⁣avenues within other associations registered under the ROS.

Ministry Initiatives for a Smooth Transition

Yeoh’s remarks were⁣ made during a question-and-answer session in the⁢ Dewan Rakyat,in response to a supplementary question from Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching) regarding the status of youth leaders who turn 30 after the law’s enforcement.

In addressing Dr Yii’s initial query about the ministry’s preparations for the age limit change from 40 to 30 years old, Yeoh outlined several key initiatives undertaken by KBS. These include:

Formation of ‍a Transition Working Committee: Chaired by Deputy Youth ‍and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim, this committee is tasked with overseeing the transition process.
Implementation ‍of Bicara Transisi Belia (Youth Transition Dialogues): These dialogues aim to engage with youth stakeholders and address concerns related to the age limit change.
Governance Workshops and Organisational Management Programmes (PPO): These programs are designed to equip youth organisations with the necessary skills to adapt to the new regulations.
kembara Jumpa Orang Muda Program (kembara JOM): This initiative focuses on engaging and mobilising young people.
* Certification of Youth Work Professionalism: This aims to professionalise ‍the field of youth work and provide a clear pathway for individuals involved in youth development.

Impact on Youth organisations

Data from the Department of Statistics malaysia indicates that there are 9.5 million youths aged 15 to 30, constituting 27.9 per cent of the national population. Currently, 99,271 individuals hold office in youth organisations, with 53.99 per cent (53,606⁢ individuals) being under the age of 30.

The enforcement ⁤of the Youth Societies and Youth Development ⁤(Amendment) act 2019 is expected to impact the administration and leadership of 8,272 youth organisations registered with the Registrar of Youth Societies (ROY). Dr ⁣Yii had specifically inquired about⁢ the ministry’s proactive steps to ensure a seamless transition and the number of youth organisations that have already amended their constitutions in preparation for Act A1602’s implementation.