Dewan Rakyat passes ‘Undi18’ constitutional amendment
KUALA LUMPUR: The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2019 to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 was approved in the Dewan Rakyat today with more than two-thirds majority required.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said all 211 MPs present had voted in favour of the amendment.
The minimum number needed was 148 votes.
“Congratulations to all MPs for creating history on this day, a year after we were sworn-in (in Dewan Rakyat),” said Ariff.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tabled the Bill at the Dewan Rakyat and urged the Opposition MPs to set aside politics and support the constitutional amendment for the sake of the nation.
The amendments also included two propositions from Barisan Nasional lawmakers; which are allowing those aged 18 and above to stand for elections and automatic registration of voters.
“We appreciate bipartisan support that prioritises the good of the nation.
“I call for all of us to ensure that this amendment is passed by giving it more than the two-thirds majority needed and create history for Malaysia.
“Democracy is alive in Malaysia and it should be strengthened with the energy and intellect of youths,” Mahathir was reported saying.
