Wednesday 5 May 2021

Throwing support to our Parliament's decision on UNDI 18

In view of the issue on UNDI 18, I have mentioned that the Election Commission (EC) needs to address voters' registration for those aged 18 as soon as possible in order to resolve the matter.

I am however pleased with our Parliament’s decision on Undi 18 as announced by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law), YB Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan on May 1.

The government has given an assurance to implement the Undi 18 this year and YB Datuk Seri Takiyuddin has also mentioned that currently the Election Commission (EC) was still looking into several matters before finalising, and it is expected to be implemented in July this year, thus enabling Malaysians aged 18 to vote in the 15th General Election (GE15).

At the same time, I have expressed hope for the Undi 18 plan (lowering of voting age to 18) would be implemented this year but this also depends on whether it can be achieved for the Sarawak polls. If not, we intend to enforce it for GE15, which we know is in 2023.

Meanwhile, on election candidates who are aged 18, I have mentioned they are welcomed to stand if they felt that they were capable. They may run for office as candidates, but in order to vote, I assume there is a minor stipulation that they must register as voters with the EC. I see this process as a little complicated, but everyone can be a candidate because it has been accepted in Parliament and gazetted by the government.



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