WITH the Government seemingly dragging its feet on Undi-18, two senior Opposition lawmakers have come out to voice their support to allow those above the 18-years of age to vote.
“If one is deemed to have the capacity to choose their spouse at the age of 18, then they can choose their Government.
“Anyway, the amendment to the Federal Constitution was passed in the Parliament and all these concerns were already raised and addressed then,” Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching told FocusM.
Four days ago, Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim told Bernama that it was impractical to lower the voting age to 18 for now because of the time-consuming obstructions faced by the relevant agencies to implement the measure.
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leader said this despite the legislation, known as Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019, was passed by the Dewan Negara in July 2019 and gazetted two months later.
The Elections Commission (EC) had earlier announced that the lowering of voting age and automatic voter registration would be implemented from July this year onwards.
However, Parti Sosialis Malaysia leader Sharan Raj poured scorn on Rais, saying Government leaders were afraid that the youth movement may throw them out of power if allowed to vote.
The Undi-18 legislation was passed with unanimous support by all Dewan Rakyat members, at the behest of then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Ignore youths at your own peril
Elaborating, Teo, who is also a former Deputy Education Minister, said that political parties which voted in favour of the legislation should not be complaining about it now.
“They have no excuse to complain about it, unless they are prepared to admit that their consent In Parliament was insincere,” the DAP International Secretary opined.
On related matter, Semporna MP Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said that Undi-18 was one of the best things the previous administration has done to empower Malaysian youths.
“But now the Perikatan Nasional Government seems to be evasive about it despite the law being gazetted in September 2019.
“It looks like the Government have little respect for our youth’s role in Malaysia’s democratic system of governance,” he said, in a statement.
On that note, the former Sabah Chief Minister urged the Elections Commission (EC) to be firm on the matter, without succumbing to pressure from political leaders.
He added that the EC must engage stakeholders, from both sides of the political divide, to ensure the aspirations of Undi-18 becomes a reality.
“Any moves to postpone Undi-18 will only disenfranchise our youths, who are key to Malaysia’s restoration to democratic norms.
“I’m confident with our youngsters’ maturity in making electoral decision. This is not about privileges but restoring a right which is rightfully theirs,” the Parti Warisan Sabah president stated. – March 14, 2021.
