The Federal Government respects the Sarawak government’s stand in carrying out an in-depth study of the decision to lower the youth age cap from 40 years to 30. NSTP/MELVIN JONI
KUCHING: The Federal Government respects the Sarawak government’s stand in carrying out an in-depth study of the decision to lower the youth age cap from 40 years to 30.
Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said here today that the change only involved associations registered with the Registrar of Youth (ROY).
“What the state government has raised is something different, which does not come under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
“So, only those registered under ROY will go ahead with the change.
“I feel it is the way for us (the state and federal governments) to work closely together where the Federal Government can assist in targeting aid to youths under 30, the transition of which will begin in December 2021.”
On July 3, Syed Saddiq had tabled the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Bill 2019 in the Dewan Rakyat to lower the youth age cap.
Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said age was not a major issue.
He said what was more important were the programmes for youth development.
“In Sarawak, youth organisations are registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and, as such, it is the state government that determines the age cap, which is 40.
“We have entrepreneurship programmes for B40 (bottom 40 per cent households) youth.
“If the age cap is lowered, it will undermine what has been implemented so far.
“So, we are looking in-depth at the implications and so on,” he said.
It was reported that Sarawak will keep the 40 age cap until the state legislative assembly agreed to make a change.
In KULAI, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the youth age cap issue was considered resolved in the state.
He said the state government would explain the issue to youth associations.
He said the state government was committed to the age cap.
He said he hoped that the state Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali would meet Syed Saddiq.
“I hope the Youth Exco can work with the minister to meet and brief all the youth associations so they understand the amendments to Act 668,” he said at the Senai International Airport where he was sending off the first group of haj pilgrims from the state here on Sunday night.
Asked about the possibility that the youth age cap could changed after the meeting and briefing session, Dr Sahruddin said he would leave the matter to the Youth Exco. – Bernama
[Source: “Syed Saddiq: Federal govt respects Sarawak’s position on youth age cap” published by New Straits Times]
