Sarawak's decision to keep youth age limit at 40 ensures broader inclusivity, policy participation
SIBU (July 14): Maintaining the youth age limit at 40 will ensure broader youth inclusion and policy participation, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
In voicing his support, he said the state's decision to maintain the age limit reflected its practical and people-oriented approach to autonomous policy-making.
'This policy position, as highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Saberkas president Dato Sri Abdul Karim, is formulated based on Sarawak's unique social context, economic structure and actual needs in youth development.
'In Sarawak, particularly in rural and less urbanised areas, many youths are still pursuing higher education, undergoing skills training or just beginning to build their careers and families by the age of 30.
'Redefining youth as only those under 30 would immediately exclude a large segment of Sarawakian young adults aged 30 to 39 who are in the prime of their personal development, family building and civic engagement—severely limiting their access to resources, participation in policymaking, eligibility for entrepreneurship aid, involvement in youth organisations and opportunities for advancement,' said the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) vice president.
He added many government programmes and initiatives would no longer cover the majority of Sarawak's actual youths if restricted to those under 30, and that lowering the youth age limit comes with its own challenges and issues.
'We understand the federal government's intention to redefine the youth category more precisely to better allocate resources. However, in a vast and socioeconomically diverse state like Sarawak, simply replicating federal policy may not yield the best outcomes.'
He also highlighted several problems that may arise if the age limit was rigidly lowered, such as a reduction in policy coverage that excludes a large group of Sarawakian youths between the ages of 30 and 39, as well as leadership gaps in youth organisations.
'In Saberkas, for example, our organisational model specifically reserves 30 per cent of leadership positions for experienced members over 40 years old to guide and work alongside the 70 per cent younger members. This distinctive Sarawak model helps ensure continuity in leadership and mentorship,' he said.
Tiang also touched on the disruption in talent support, as many aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in their 30s would no longer be eligible for youth-focused government support, but by retaining the current definition of youths as 'aged 40 and below', more would be able to access extended opportunities for personal growth and participation in public policy, social services and community development.
'Other benefits include receiving greater career and entrepreneurial support, including grants, loans and training from the government, and playing stronger leadership and driving roles in politics, civic organisations and social development.
'This inclusive approach allows youths to continue being recognised as vital contributors to the state's progress over a longer life stage and aligns better with Sarawak's people-centric development vision,' he said. age limit Michael Tiang youth
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