Youth age limit - gov't to study reason for 'royal interference', says Dr M

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that the government will study the reason for possible interference from the Johor palace in efforts to lower the age limit for youth to 30 across the country.

Yesterday, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin advised the Johor palace not to interfere in government affairs after the state government made two U-turns in two days over the definition of 'youth'.

Asked about Muhyiddin’s comments, Mahathir pointed to the possible reasons that led to such remarks.

“Well, it must be because there was some interference. That is why they made the remark," he said during a press conference at the hallways of Parliament.

“We will see whether there is any interference or not. We will have to study and see whether the reason given is acceptable," he answered when asked what would be done if interference was found.

Last week, the Dewan Rakyat approved the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Bill 2019, which redefined 'youth' as those aged between 15 and 30.

However, Johor Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal (photo) announced that the state would be maintaining the existing definition of 'youth' as those aged between 15 and 40.

A day later, Johor exco Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said that the state had changed its mind and decided to follow Putrajaya's lead.

Later that day, however, Sheikh Umar reversed his position, and said Johor would stick to the existing upper limit of 40, following “further discussion and advice from several parties”.

The same evening, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim posted an image of him meeting Sahruddin and Sheikh Umar.

This led to Muhyiddin remarking that the Johor government ought to be given the space to implement policies that are consistent across the country.

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