Political parties should review the age limits for their youth wings in line with the new maximum youth age of 30, which will take effect on Jan 1 next year, analysts say.
Tawfik Yaakub and Ariff Aizuddin Azlan agreed that lowering the youth wing age limit from the current 35–40 range to 30 would open more opportunities for young members to actively contribute to the nation’s political maturity.
“This issue of the youth age limit is not a political experiment. It must be embraced by all parties to ensure that young people are given fair space, representation and opportunities while they are still within the youth bracket,” said Tawfik, who is from Universiti Malaya.
He added that the age limit for both male and female youth wings should be standardised without any distinction based on gender or role.
“Today’s youth, regardless of gender, are capable of taking on responsibilities, as their thinking has matured earlier thanks to the rapid growth of information technology and their ability to think outside the box.
“Setting the same age limit for both male and female youth wings would be a recognition of their exceptional capabilities today,” he told FMT.
Ariff, from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), also believed that standardising the youth age limit would bring about consistency, subject to the specific functions and capacities assigned in politics.
“Concerns over inexperience will always exist and are unavoidable. But if young people are never given the chance to try, it will dampen their interest and drive them away from politics.
“As a result, the country risks losing valuable ideas that could strengthen our democratic system,” he said.
However, Tawfik cautioned that a lower maximum youth age limit in political parties could carry the risk of reduced capability to handle crises.
“Therefore, they must be ready to propose models, plans, and solutions that go beyond conventional thinking, especially in the economic, social, and political spheres,” he said.
Currently, the age limits for Umno‘s Youth and Puteri wings are set at 18 to 40, while the youth wings for PKR and Bersatu are capped at 18 to 35.
Previously, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh had announced that the new maximum age of 30 for youth in Malaysia would take effect on Jan 1 next year, in line with amendments to the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2019.
At present, the youth age limit is 40.
The amendment includes lowering the youth age limit to 30, setting the age range for youth leaders or office bearers at 18 to 30, and limiting the tenure of a youth organisation’s leader to a maximum of four years.
