Age classification for youths set to change by 2018

CHERAS: Starting in 2018, youth organisations and bodies will be open only to those under 30 years of age.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said, presently 70% of members in youth organisations and bodies, are above 30 years of age.
He said it is now up to the organisations and bodies to endeavour towards ensuring their ranks are filled with those under 30.
"Malaysia needs to regard the age reclassification as mirroring youth demographics," he said, adding it needed to take into account inculcating leadership skills, particularly among teenagers.
Despite the steady decline in participation, Khairy said, youth organisations and bodies still have a role to play.
"True, the advent of social media has turned many away from such bodies. Nonetheless, they remain relevant. Additionally, it could help stem the tide of extremism in the country," Khairy explained.
"Of its many forms, religious extremism is the biggest social threat today," he said, adding this is primarily caused by taqlid (blind imitation).
Khairy said If left unchecked, such militant tendencies could spread rapidly and emphasised that what he considered to be the root causes, must be seriously addressed.
"The lack of socio-economic opportunities, coupled with misunderstandings, leave such individuals isolated and resentful," he said, adding that youths in particular are highly vulnerable.
"Not only that, we must expand our scope of vision to include all voices, not just the established ones such as the religious scholars."
Khairy suggested bringing in young moderate preachers or religious speakers, both from Malaysia and abroad, as one method of combating extremism.
"Young people want to listen to other youths, with whom they can relate to and connect."
Khairy was present to chair the National Youth Consultative Council's first session of its 30th term, held at the International Youth Centre in Bandar Tun Razak.