Page 128 - 马佛青55周年特刊

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文 The Impact of the Amendments to the
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Youth Societies and Youth Development

Act (2019) (Act 668)

Eow Shiang Yen

Preface: Reflecting on 55 Years and Embracing a New Era

ince its establishment in 1970, the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia
S (YBAM) has carried the duty of uniting Buddhist youth, promoting Dhamma
education, and serving society. Over the past 55 years, YBAM has continuously adapted
its strategies in response to changing times, evolving from a promoter of local Buddhist
societies to a nationwide organisation with policy advocacy capabilities.
However, the Malaysian sociopolitical environment and government policies have
continued to evolve. In particular, the implementation of the 2019 amendments to the
Youth Societies and Youth Development Act (Act 668) has introduced new challenges to
youth organisations across the country — especially religious youth bodies like YBAM.
As a youth organisation that holds dual identities, both religious and civic, YBAM must
now reposition its organisational structure and modes of youth participation to ensure
legal compliance, sustainability, and representativeness.
This article begins by outlining the background of the legislative amendments,
then explores the key clauses introduced in the revision, and their implications for
YBAM’s institutional system and organisational culture. It further analyses how YBAM