Kuala Lumpur: In a bid to groom younger leaders, Malaysia has decided to revise the definition of "youth" to exclude those above the age of 30.
The change, which is proposed to be effective from 2018, will see those holding office in youth organisations nationwide step down and make way for new leaders below the age of 30.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the 2018 deadline would allow organisations enough time to implement these changes.
"We want our young people, those below the age of 30, to have the opportunity to lead organisations and shape their own future.
"During the next three years, we will implement leadership training programmes to ensure these youth are able to take over these? roles," he said.
Currently, people under 40 falls under youth category in Malaysia.
The United Nations defines youth as being between 15-24 years while the Commonwealth considers people between 15-29 as youth.
The revision in the definition will affect thousands who are currently holding office in youth organisations.
