PM tables Undi 18 Bill in Dewan Rakyat, PSM lauds the govt
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today tabled the government’s Bill to amend the Federal Constitution in order to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.
The proposed amendments also included two propositions from the Opposition bench; which are allowing those aged 18 and above to stand for elections and automatic registration of voters.
Calling for the Opposition to support the Bill as it needs two thirds majority to be passed, Mahathir urged Barisan Nasional lawmakers to put aside politics for the sake of national agenda.
“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,” he said.
Acknowledging that youths of today are politically savvy, Mahathir said the younger generation are very exposed to politics and well-informed due to the advent of social media.
He also said that many developed nations that practises democracy, including Commonwealth nations, have given 18-year olds the right to vote.
“If automatic voter registration is implemented together with lowering the voting age to 18, the government predicts an additional 7.8 million new voters will be included in the voter registration list until 2023.
“The government also estimates that in 2023, the number of voters will increase by more than 50% to around 22.7 million compared to 14.9 million in the 14th General Election,” said Mahathir.
On related matter, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) congratulated the Pakatan Harapan government pushing for the lowering of voting age and automatic registration of voters.
In a statement, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan also echoed Mahathir’s calls and urged the Opposition bench to support the Bill which is good for the nation.
“We appreciate the fact that the government has done a lot of work in trying to convince all parties and stakeholders.
“It is imperative for the government to engage the people rather than trying to bulldoze Bills without consultation and participation,” he said.
By G Vinod
