Page 130 - 马佛青55周年特刊

观
点 2. The Evolution and Impact of the “Youth Societies and Youth
Development Act (Act 668)” Amendments
文
章 Date Event Minister/Key Figures Notes
1985 Formulation of the - Affirmed the vital role
first ‘National Youth of youth in national
Policy’ development.
5 July 2007 Parliament passes Then Minister of Youth Defined ‘youth’ as 15-40
‘Act 668’ and Sports YB Azalina years old; youth societies
Othman Said the Registrar of Youth
Societies (ROY) instead
of the Registrar of
Societies (ROS).

2009 Initial proposal to Various youth Referenced international
lower youth age limit organisations, scholars standards; not adopted
to 30 by the government then.
Mid-2010s Majlis Perundingan - Main consultation
Belia Negara (MPBN) channel between youth
operations continued organisations and
government.
2015 National Youth Policy Then Minister of Youth Retained 15-40 years
revised and Sports Khairy definition; emphasised
Jamaluddin youth entrepreneurship.
9 May 2018 Pakatan Harapan - Youth issues reprioritised.
wins general election
July 2018 YB Syed Saddiq was Then Minister of Youth Advocated to lower
appointed as the and Sports YB Syed definition to 30 years old,
Minister of Youth and Saddiq sparking national debate.
Sports; pushed for age
limit revision

3 July 2019 House of Then Minister of Youth Officially redefines
Representatives and Sports YB Syed youth as under 30;
passes amendment Saddiq 3-year transition period
introduced.
24 July 2019 Senate passes - Completed legislative
amendment process.
August 2019 Law gazetted; ROY - ROS no longer
designated as sole manages youth society
youth registration registrations.
body
1 January 2022 Original transition Then Minister of Youth Actual enforcement
period ends and Sports Dato’ Seri delayed.
Haji Ahmad Faizal bin
Dato’ Haji Azumu
December 2022 15th General Election - Youth policies re-
held; formation of examined.
Unity Government
Dec2022-Present Hannah Yeoh serves YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Prioritises youth reforms,
as Youth and Sports Suan digital participation,
Minister inclusive platforms.
3 August 2023 Official announcement YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Ample preparation time
by YB Hannah Suan for youth organisations to
Yeoh Tseow Suan ensure smooth transition.
that amendments to
take full effect on 1
January 2026

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