Latest news with #SabahYouthCouncil
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Youth age cap at 30 not for Sabah
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: 'Age isn't the issue. It's your maturity and personality that count,' said Fairuz. Kota Kinabalu: The national youth age cap at 30 won't work in the State, said Sabah Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan (pic). 'The policy never really fit in the first place because we're already used to the age cap at 40. 'Maybe it makes sense in KL, but not here,' he said, adding that Sarawak holds the same stance. 'This idea has been around since Khairy Jamaluddin, Syed Saddiq, Reezal Merican, and now Hannah Yeoh but Sabah and Sarawak don't see the need,' he said. The federal law, passed by Parliament in 2019, has already been postponed twice and is now in its third extension. Fairuz believes enforcing it in Sabah could be counterproductive. 'We're not like the older generation where people at 35 were already stable and matured. 'Today, even in their 30s or 40s, people are still finding their sense of direction. Youth clubs hardly see new members in their early 20s. Most are in their late 20s or above,' he added. He also dismissed claims that Sabah would be left behind if it doesn't follow the federal move as opined by Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. 'We already have the Sabah Youth Development Enactment being developed with the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) tackling the transition issues,' he said. The enactment notes that only 15pc of Sabah youth are in formal groups, with policies shaped to suit the State's diverse social and cultural context. 'Age isn't the issue. It's your maturity and personality that count,' said Fairuz. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Over 100,000 voting first time
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Armizan urged youths to understand real issues like the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) struggle, which he said has often been oversimplified by political parties, and reminded them not to be quick to blame others, as Sabah's future is also their responsibility. Kota Kinabalu: With more than 100,000 first-time voters set to cast their ballots, the coming Sabah election will mark a historic milestone as the first to include Undi18. Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Ali reminded Sabah's youths not to only exercise their democratic right but study the 'report cards' of those they would be voting for. He said this during the 'Tamu 360: Aspirasi Anak Muda' town hall, organised by the State Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sabah Youth Council, at SICC. A total of 972,851 Sabahans or 59 per cent of the State's population are registered voters as of May 2025. 'Among them, 103,316 are first-time voters, a significant demographic that could tip the balance in many seats. 'This will be the first state election with Undi18 in effect. It's more than just a number, it's a responsibility,' he said. Armizan urged youths to understand real issues like the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) struggle, which he said has often been oversimplified by political parties, and reminded them not to be quick to blame others, as Sabah's future is also their responsibility. During the dialogue, youth leaders presented policy suggestions and voiced concerns on issues ranging from home ownership to education and constitutional rights. A Youth Council representative for Bandau, Kota Marudu, proposed a youth-targeted housing scheme with subsidies for first-time buyers earning between RM3,000 and RM5,000. The idea includes leveraging Sabah Credit Corporation as a mandatory financier. 'Our proof of living in Sabah is a home. Let's make homeownership a reality for young Sabahans, especially those from the rural areas,' he said. A Star representative re-ignited discussion around the moratorium on higher learning institutions offering degrees. He said since 2017, the moratorium has posed a challenge for Sabahan law students in particular, forcing many to study abroad. 'With the lifting, one day, we hope to be on par with Selangor,' he said. On the financial front, a Gagasan Rakyat representative asked if the State Government could ever collect Sabah's 40pc revenue. Armizan then delivered a sharp breakdown of Article 112 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution which stipulates Sabah's financial entitlement. He urged youths to understand the legal levers behind the struggle, saying there are many different schools of thought. 'There are some that argue the federal coffers could never be enough, while others warn that even reviewing 112B could nullify 112C. 'But we must be bold. Even the Sabah Law Society has questioned the inaction with a judicial review, a move which I support. If we want to challenge this in court, then we must be ready. 'Until then, old strategies in place will likely result in interim and insufficient arrangements. We need to move beyond political rhetoric. Sabahans need results,' he said, signalling for youths to press on the fight. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Federal youth age cap not practical for Sabah: Fairuz
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The national policy capping youth age at 30 is not suitable for Sabah, said Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan ( pic ). He said Sabah, like Sarawak, has long maintained the age limit at 40 and does not see a need to align with the federal stance. Fairuz noted that while the law passed in 2019 has seen multiple postponements, its implementation in Sabah could prove unhelpful. He pointed out that most active youth participants in the state are in their late 20s or older, with many still finding their footing well into their 30s. Sabah is developing its own Youth Development Enactment with the Sabah Youth Council, and Fairuz emphasised that maturity and character matter more than age. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Trading Card Games Event II draws over 1,000
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 Text Size: Abqaree (seated third left) with Chang (middle) and Ericson (left) and players at The TCG Event II. Kota Kinabalu: The second edition of The TCG Event drew over 1,000 participants from across Sabah over the weekend, highlighting the growing popularity of Trading Card Games (TCG) as a healthy, strategic, and social activity among youth. Sabah Youth Council President Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan, who officiated the closing ceremony at 1Borneo mall on Sunday, said such events are an effective platform to encourage Gen Z and Gen Alpha to connect in real life. 'Young people today have fewer chances for real-world interaction. Events like these encourage them to come out, meet peers, and engage in healthy two-way socialisation,' he said, adding that these activities help nurture both strategic thinking and communication skills. Abqaree urged continued government support and proposed the creation of a structured ecosystem to further grow the TCG community, potentially to the international level. 'Our youth need space, opportunity and platforms. With guidance and support, I believe they can go far,' he added. Organising Chairperson Chang Chee Ken said participation had surged compared to the inaugural edition. 'Last year we had eight card games and five hobby shops. This year, 12 card games were showcased with six stores involved. We had over 1,000 attendees across two days,' he said. One of the featured exhibitors, Ericson Lotidis, owner of R916 Hobby & Foods at Level 1, Megalong Mall Penampang, said the event not only boosted TCG-related sales but also demonstrated strong interest among local youth. 'There's clearly growing potential, especially among teens who are already playing or keen to start. I believe TCG can really thrive going forward,' he said. Ericson's shop, a popular hangout spot for young TCG players offers a variety of games including Magic: The Gathering, Cookie Run: Braverse, and Lorcana. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Over 1,000 gather for Sabah trading card game event
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Abqaree presents a prize to a winner while others look on. KOTA KINABALU: The second edition of The TCG Event drew over 1,000 trading card game enthusiasts from across Sabah to 1Borneo over the weekend. Sabah Youth Council President Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan said the event offered a positive space for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to connect and develop social and strategic skills. Advertisement He added that the state government remains committed to supporting youth-led initiatives and is exploring ways to build a stronger ecosystem for the trading card game (TCG) community. Organising chairperson Chang Chee Ken highlighted the event's growth, with 12 card games and six hobby shops taking part this year, up from eight and five respectively. He said the increased turnout showed growing interest in the TCG scene, with more young people and vendors engaging in the two-day gathering. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
