Questions remain on whether funding for youth programmes will remain impactful or will the new age cap translate into reduced support. — 123rf
AS MALAYSIA recalibrates its definition of youth, questions have emerged over whether funding for youth programmes will remain impactful – and whether a smaller eligible demographic will translate into reduced support or a fundamental restructuring of resources.
Malaysia Youth Council (MYC) secretary-general Ahmad Farhan Rosli says it is important to first clear up a common misconception surrounding the transition funding totalling RM3mil. It was reported that the amount was a special allocation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim back in 2023 to implement youth leadership transition programme nationwide. Farhan says to date RM1.5 mil has been utilised for that purpose.
“It is important to clarify that the transition fund did not originate from the Youth and Sports Ministry, but was allocated by the Prime Minister. The ministry is responsible for administering and coordinating the implementation of the fund, rather than it being drawn from the ministry’s own allocation.”
The allocation, he adds, plays a critical role in helping MYC manage leadership transitions following the revised youth age bracket. A significant portion of the funding went towards nurturing leaders below the age of 30, in line with the new policy direction.
With this support, MYC launched the Tunas Madani programme in collaboration with Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia, through which more than 2,000 young Malaysians have been trained as emerging leaders. Part of the allocation was also channelled towards revitalising District Youth Councils nationwide.
“Financial assistance was provided for leadership development programmes and recruitment initiatives through the Jom Masuk Belia campaign, aimed at strengthening participation at the grassroots level,” he says.
Farhan adds while there is no specific transition fund directly allocated by the ministry, he says MYC appreciates the ministry’s continued support through the Rakan Muda allocation, which has enabled leadership programmes for the new generation of youth. Beyond funding, MBM has intensified on-the-ground engagement, meeting with more than 20 District Youth Councils this year, continuing efforts from the previous year that saw outreach to over 30 councils, particularly in rural areas.
“We met young people in Pontian and Bandau, for example, to hear concerns about changes in the youth ecosystem. At the same time, we promoted new youth volunteerism initiatives such as Rakan Bumi and Rakan Demokrasi.”
Still, he cautions against viewing youth development purely through a financial lens.
“Youth development requires more than financial resources alone. It also depends on effective talent management, structured mentorship, and sufficient time for new leaders to fully understand the youth ecosystem,” he says, adding that uneven capacity among stakeholders remains a challenge.
The amendments also cap youth society office bearers at between 18 and 30 years old and shorten leadership terms from six to four years – a move that has raised concerns over continuity and institutional memory.
“I agree with the principle of term limits, but I differ on the issue of age. When leadership terms are clearly limited, regeneration becomes more structured, organic and sustainable, without the need for overly rigid age restrictions.”
He stresses that youth movements are not merely programme organisers, but institutions with long-term societal roles.
“Youth movements shape public policy, influence national discourse and serve as an important check and balance within society,” he says.
Some youth organisations, he notes, also manage extensive educational networks. Organisations such as ABIM oversee institutions serving more than 10,000 students nationwide.
“Unfortunately, there is a misunderstanding that youth organisations exist only to seek funding. In reality, they continue to survive, adapt and contribute meaningfully to social development, nation-building and leadership formation.
“Therefore, youth organisations should not be viewed simplistically. They represent an ecosystem that preserves institutional memory and contributes directly to the country’s social, educational and democratic development.”
