MIC Youth Wing welcomes the government’s instruction to the Election Commission to implement Undi 18 by Dec 31 in compliance with a court order last Friday. Its indeed a timely decision as the issue have been long pending and dragging.
As the Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar have mentioned that the government has yet to decide on whether or not to file an appeal against the court’s decision, we hope even if there’s an appeal, the Undi 18 should be implemented prior to the next general elections..
Among the remaining hurdles is the fact that several states have yet to amend their State Constitution to allow 18-year-olds to contest in elections in their respective states. Thus we urge those state governments to table the motion within the next sitting, so that the implementation of Undi 18 will be smooth.
MIC Youth Wing have been always vocal and championed the Undi 18 motion since day one, as we believe lowering the voting age would ensure the voice and aspirations of the youngsters to be heard, and issues pertaining them will be addressed efficiently. They need to be given the equal rights and opportunities.
In fact, we have been engaging with the target group across the country to create awareness on the voting rights, the importance of exercising the rights diligently, as well as educating them on the political system and structure of the country. We are indeed impressed and satisfied with the openness of the youngsters, their maturity and eagerness to be part of the voting system.
We urge the EC to carry out the necessary process to ensure the speedy and effective implementation of Undi 18. Let the youngsters voice be heard in the upcoming 15th GE.
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