Johor MB shows up in Parliament following 'youth' definition U-turns

Johor Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal appeared at the Parliament building this morning to meet Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

This follows the state government twice changing its mind on the definition of 'youth' in the span of 24 hours. 

Asked if he would be meeting the prime minister, Sahruddin only answered: "Yes."

However, he denied that his meeting concerned the controversy over the definition of 'youth', stating that it is about another matter.

Sahruddin also refused to comment on why the Johor government walked back its decision to lower the upper limit of the definition of 'youth.'

Mahathir is attending the Parliament sitting today to answer questions on Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS).

Last week, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act (Amendment) Bill 2019, which lowered the upper limit for the definition of 'youth' to 30.

However, Johor maintained the existing definition of 'youth' as those aged between 15 and 40.

Sahruddin had said that the state government was in favour of keeping the existing upper limit to promote idealism, activism, and intellectualism.

However, Johor state executive councillor Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said yesterday that the state had decided to follow Putrajaya's lead and define 'youth' as those aged between 15 and 30.

Later that day, Sheikh Umar reversed his position, and said Johor would maintain the existing upper limit.

Speculation was rife that the state government changed its stance after the matter was raised and discussed at the Harapan presidential council meeting on Monday.

Earlier today, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim also posted an image of him meeting Sahruddin and Sheikh Umar.

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Johor changes stance, accepts 30 as new definition of 'youth'

Johor to retain youth age limit at 40