The council’s vice-president, Jufitri Joha, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman should have consulted them before announcing on Wednesday plans to revamp the council, better known as Majlis Belia Malaysia (MBM).
The minister had suggested lowering the age-limit from 40 to 35 or 30 those in leadership positions at youth associations, including MBM. He also said he intended to revamp MBM, and other youth associations.
However Jufitri said Syed Saddiq might have raised an unnecessary red flag. “The council is not directly under the ministry, so maybe for the minister to call for a revamp may not be appropriate. He should not have made that announcement before consulting us.”
He said MBM was not against suggestions to lower the age cap. The Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2007 would need to be reviewed, as the age limit is set at 40.
Syed Saddiq, who turns 26 this year, said he suggested a lower age cap as many youth leaders were in their 40s, and younger people were unable to rise in the ranks as they were deemed to be too young.
Jufitri said he believed an amendment bill was still being drafted by the ministry. “Once they pass the bill, those who do not vacate their posts can be punished under the Act.”
He said MBM’s policy since 2015 was to set an age-limit of 30. Committee responsibilities were being handed over to the younger ones, “but this takes time as MBM has a nationwide network”.
MBM had difficulty in recruiting members for council leadership roles. Most of those between 25 and 30 were focused on their personal lives, “on family building and career.” Usually only those 30 and above were more settled and able to take on other responsibilities.
“That is one of the reasons that youth leaders are aged between 35 and 40,” he said.
He said MBM would need two to three years to sort out appointments and leadership elections. “We are looking forward to a representation of at least 70% to 80% of youths who fall under the age cap of 30. There will be several seniors remaining in the council to just help with transitional matters,” he said.
Jufitri said the council would encourage voluntary resignations of those over 30.