THE Johor palace is free to express its views on administrative affairs, but ultimately, it is the government that decides on national policies, said Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

His comments follow about-turns by the Johor government on the maximum age in the definition of “youth”.

The state government has made two U-turns in as many days on whether it will follow Putrajaya’s move to revise the maximum age limit in the definition of “youth” from 40 to 30. The federal government set the new age limit with the passing of the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Bill 2019 recently.

“I am confused as to why this happened, because this was discussed in detail in the Dewan Rakyat, and Johor MPs have agreed.

“We hope the state government can explain in detail, and if need be, the youth and sports minister can request an audience with the Johor sultan to explain the matter,” Muhyiddin told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

“It is hoped that the palace will not interfere. They can provide their views, but it is best to pave the way for uniform policies with other states.”

Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar appears to have gotten involved in the matter, posting to social media a photo of himself with Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal and Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, the state exco in charge of youth, after the U-turns.

Two days ago, Sahruddin said the state would maintain the age limit in the definition of “youth” at 40, so as to not disrupt programmes already planned for Johor folk in that age group.

However, Sheikh Umar Bagharib then announced, after a meeting, that the menteri besar had agreed to heed Putrajaya’s new age limit in the definition of “youth”.

The exco backtracked the same day, issuing a statement to clarify that the state will stick to 40 as the maximum age for the group.

The photo of the Johor ruler with Sahruddin and Sheikh Umar Bagharib was posted the same night. – July 10, 2019.