Objectives:

1. To provide guidance to youths, especially in the rural areas.
2. To utilize youth’s resources for national development.
3. To provide guidance to youths against being influenced by Communism, anti-individual behaviour and other harmful activities, especially in the rural areas.

**The Malaysian Association Of Youth Clubs (MAYC): A Historical Overview**

The Malaysian Association Of Youth Clubs (MAYC), affectionately known as Persatuan Kelab-kelab Belia Malaysia, traces its roots back to 1954 when it was originally named Persatuan Pemuda Pemudi Malaya. Established with the initial objective of uniting the nation’s youth, MAYC aimed to harness their potential for activities involving civic education, sports, recreation, and the arts.

During its inception, MAYC adopted its organizational structure from the National Association Of Youth Clubs (NAYC) in the United Kingdom. The association faced challenges in initiating its activities due to the lengthy registration process. Finally, on October 19, 1956, MAYC received its official registration with certificate number 1062 (Selangor). Subsequently, MAYC expanded its reach across the Malaysian peninsula, with the Youth Club of Labis, Johor, becoming its first affiliate.

The inaugural General Meeting was held on February 4, 1956, at the Federal House, Kuala Lumpur, where 17 clubs had joined MAYC. Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard was appointed as the first President of MAYC (1954 – 1955).

Through the support of the Department of Social Welfare, MAYC secured an office space located at No. 2 Jalan Clarke, Kuala Lumpur, to serve as its operational headquarters.

In 1956, Tunku Abdullah Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman assumed the role of the second President of MAYC (1956 – 1971), succeeding Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard. During the same year, MAYC expanded its horizons by participating in the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) conference in Berlin, Germany. Furthermore, in 1960, MAYC established cooperative relationships with organizations in Japan, the United States, India, Australia, England, and other Southeast Asian countries. It was in this year that MAYC introduced the Excellent Service Medal (Pingat Jasa Cemerlang) to honor outstanding figures within MAYC and individuals who contributed significantly to the association.

Gradually, MAYC earned its reputation as an advocate for youth and garnered the attention of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor. In recognition of its contributions, His Royal Highness granted a piece of land along Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur. In October 1969, the construction of Wisma Belia, named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdul Razak, was completed and officially inaugurated on August 27, 1970, by Tun Abdul Razak.

Leadership at MAYC changed in 1971 when Tuan Syed Ahmad Idid bin Syed Abdullah Idid (1971 – 1973), a judge, assumed the position of the third President of MAYC, holding the presidency for only two years (1 term). In 1973, Tan Sri Sanusi Junid became the fourth President of MAYC. Under his leadership, another building named Wisma Tunku was erected behind Wisma Belia. This new structure was named in honor of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Both buildings collectively formed the MAYC Complex, situated near the Federal Highway (Kuala Lumpur – Klang). The complex was officially inaugurated by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, on August 10, 1986.

During Tan Sri Sanusi Junid’s tenure, he introduced the concept of “Mental, Physical, and Spiritual” (MENJARO). As the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of MAYC members grew stronger, it facilitated their involvement in Politics, Economy, and Community (POLEMAS) activities. Under his leadership, the concepts of MENJARO and POLEMAS became an integral part of MAYC members’ lives. Tan Sri Sanusi Junid was also the longest-serving President of MAYC, holding the position for nearly 37 years (1973 – 2000). In 2000, he passed the baton to Tan Sri Syed Hamid Bin Jaafar Albar, who was then the Foreign Minister, and assumed the role of the fifth President of MAYC (2000 – 2010).

The era of registered youth associations with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) came to an end in 2007, marking a new era for youth associations in the country. The Youth Act was introduced, requiring members to be individuals under the age of 40.

This ushered in a new chapter for MAYC, where the transition of leadership from Tan Sri Syed Hamid to Mustaffa bin Mat Arof (2010 – 2012) was realized without any contests on September 26, 2010. However, certain parties with vested interests convened their own Annual General Meeting prematurely, disregarding MAYC’s Constitution. Their actions prompted the intervention of the Registrar of Youth Organizations (ROY). To mitigate the situation, on January 10, 2011, the ROY decided to suspend both parties from leading MAYC. This suspension lasted for nearly 1 year, resulting in the postponement of many planned MAYC activities.

After a year-long wait, on October 11, 2011, the Minister of Youth and Sports made a decision based on the 2007 Youth Act and confirmed Mustaffa bin Mat Arof as the President of MAYC. Following this decision, Mustaffa took immediate steps by convening the 51st MAYC National Annual General Meeting on December 16, 2011, in Melaka. This meeting aimed to identify and ensure that MAYC adhered to its constitution.

During his tenure, Mustaffa made significant efforts to address administrative and business-related issues within MAYC’s framework. He worked systematically to resolve most of the issues towards the end of his presidency.

On July 7, 2012, the 53rd Annual General Meeting witnessed the transition of MAYC’s

leadership, with Mohd Hasri bin Mohd Hadzir being appointed as the 7th President of MAYC. This marked a historical repeat of an occurrence where a Secretary-General was elevated to the position of President, reminiscent of Tan Sri Sanusi Junid’s era.

Under Mohd Hasri’s leadership, the concept of 1Malaysia was emphasized among MAYC members. With his background as an officer in the National Civics Bureau (Biro Tatanegara JPM), he aimed to ensure that every program aligned with the nation’s transformational culture was integrated into MAYC’s activities.

All the efforts initiated by Mustaffa were continued by Mohd Hasri to ensure that MAYC’s administrative journey proceeded smoothly. He believed that unity would strengthen MAYC, enabling it to move forward with greater progress in the future. As the saying goes, “discard the turbid, embrace the clear,” a philosophy often used to inspire MAYC members to unite, work together, and become more empowered as they look towards the future.

Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs (MAYC)