The EC building at Precinct 2 in Putrajaya. The commission has announced that the eligibility to vote upon reaching the age of 18 and also automatic voter registration could only be implemented from Sept 2 next year onwards, citing difficulties brought about by the enforcement of the MCO to curb Covid-19, as the key reason. — Bernama photo
The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly would have expired today if not for the Covid-19 Emergency, but if it did and the polls were held, it would be at a time when the young are more aware of their right to vote. In the final part of this series, we speak to youths about the Undi18 movement and whether they are ready to wield the power to choose their reps
IT was a historic moment for Malaysia when a motion to amend the Federal Constitution to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 was passed in Dewan Rakyat on July 16, 2019, with support from both sides of the august House.
The Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019, which was approved by the Senate on July 25, 2019, has since been dubbed, ‘Undi18’, a loose Malay translation of ‘Vote at 18’.
It was hoped that the new voting age could be introduced even this year but on March 25, the Election Commission (EC) announced that it, as well as automatic voter registration, could only be implemented from Sept 2 next year onwards due to constraints and difficulties brought about by the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb Covid-19.
However, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had, on April 28 this year, said that the government was very committed to making it possible for those aged 18 to vote in the 15th general election, and also in any by-election or state election.
As it is now a matter of time before Malaysians as young as 18 can cast their votes, we spoke to young Sarawakians about their new right. Here’s what they say:
‘I support the lowering of the voting age to 18 and if I’m eligible, I would register to vote in the coming election. Since we cannot speak in the Cabinet, our votes are our voice. Sometimes age cannot define maturity, because maturity is a person’s perception of the world and its surroundings. In the era of advanced information, I gain knowledge about the political situation through newspapers, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media. That gives me a little bit of understanding about politics and about the happenings in this country.’
— Adeline Wong, 20, student of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
‘I agree that age 18 is still too young to vote. Even now, I still cannot make any decision on what I should do for the next five to 10 years. For me, age 21 is just good enough to take charge of every decision-making. As I am 19 years old now, I feel that I am still young in making such decision on voting rights. However, if the government lowered the voting age to 18, I would register as a voter, because that’s my duty as a Malaysian.’
— Gawin Chieng, 19, piano teacher and property agent
‘The current legal system in Malaysia states that 18 is the legal age for adulthood, so it is considered an age that they are to take full responsibility over their own action. For me, voting at age 18 is acceptable, because we have the rights to choose our leaders and to voice our opinions. It is also a good age for youths to vote as long as they have enough knowledge about the politics and whatever things happening in the country. I am slightly aware of the political situation in the country, but not aware enough to make an informed decision to vote. I think it is important to know who you are voting into power, and not just putting a cross on the ballot papers for the sake of it.’
— Damien Ragai Philip, 20, student of Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC)
‘I think if those as young as 18 were well educated on the political issues in this country, then yes, they should be allowed to be given the voting rights. If the government would lower the voting age to 18, then yes, I would register as a voter. I would say that 18 is a suitable age for them to vote for the government that they want, if they had enough knowledge about politics and everything that’s happening in the country. It will be a great opportunity for them to explore and understand politics better. I understand that some people think being an 18-year-old is still very young, as they may not know how or who to choose. That’s why I believe they need to have enough knowledge about politics and what’s going on in this country.’
— Grace Jeni Will, 20, student at Tun Abdul Razak Teachers Education Institute Sarawak
‘I agree that the voting age should start at 18 years old. It gives the opportunity to the youths to know more about politics, democracy and elections. I think if the youngsters were to be given such preparation at the early stage, the country would produce responsible voters in the future. This would be good for the future of this country. If the government decided to implement it (Undi18), then, yes, I would register as a voter and fulfil my responsibility as a Malaysian. Some people believe that being 18-year-old is too young, but I think it depends on people’s view. An 18-year-old is considered an adult; thus, they should be given the opportunity to decide the direction that this country should go.
— Emilyne Sofea, 20, university student
‘I agree that people should be given the rights to vote as young as 18 years old, because they are already considered as adults and mature enough to make decision and take action in their lives. Apart from that, 18 years old can also serve the country. So, I believe they should be given the opportunity to decide what direction that the country should go. I will register as voter if this amendment is being implemented.’
— Stanley Ujap Ugah, 19, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leaver
‘I agree that voting age should start at 18 because those at that age are mature enough and have the right to make their own decisions. If the government allowed us to vote, I would register as a voter. I think voting is a special experience for me, and it is contribution to the society and our country. I do not think that being 18 is too young. Youths at this age have studied well in school – some have already gone to colleges or universities, and many have started working for a living. They have their own ideas and they have the right to determine the future of the country.
— Janice Chieng, 19, Teachers Education Institute student
‘I think that voting at age 18 is a good idea; this is because the ICT nowadays can provide them with many information on elections and voting, allowing them to be smarter and not to be blinded by the ‘empty promises’. They can make wise decisions as they have already completed secondary education. However, the youngsters must be wise in making judgements in voting for the right people, instead of being influenced by the information from the Internet and also from their peers.’
— Quinstilius Anyui Stanley, 21, full-time student at Tun Abdul Razak Teachers Education Institute Sarawak
‘Voting at age 18 is no longer new to the ears as this matter had been raised some time ago. For me, it provides an opportunity for the younger generation to elect qualified leaders to lead our country. Since I am already 20 years old, I do not want to miss the chance to vote for my leaders. At age 18, youngsters may choose the wrong or the right people to lead the country. These young people are always sensitive to the current issues, so they must always keep themselves updated on the development of the political situation to make the right decision. Age does not define maturity. How people vote is based on the current issues that they read and understand – enabling them to make a wise decision.
— Charmaine Julin, 20, student at Tun Abdul Razak Teachers Education Institute Sarawak
from Borneo Post Online https://bit.ly/3pnHIKg
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