No-go on Undi 18 shows youths ‘unimportant’ in govt’s eyes, says Shafie

Kota Kinabalu: Former Sabah chief minister Shafie Apdal today said any move by Putrajaya to drag its heels in allowing 18-year-olds to vote deprived them of their constitutional right to elect and choose their government.

In a statement, the Semporna MP said it was cause for concern that the government was being vague about when it would implement Undi 18, FMT reported.

“The present PN government’s actions give the impression that youths are not important towards the practice of a democratic system in our country.

“The Election Commission should state clearly when it wants to implement Undi 18, without undue influence by any political leader.

“Any delay would only affect the mood of youths in the restoration of our democratic system. I believe in their maturity and decision-making capabilities.”

Shafie said the EC ought to have more stakeholder engagements with all, including those from opposition political parties, to ensure the success of Undi 18.

“It is not about giving them freedom, but a question of their (voting) rights being taken away from them. These should be restored.”

Earlier today, youth and sports minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican had asked the EC to update the public on the latest on the Undi 18 issue.

Recently, Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim said it was impractical to lower the voting age to 18 for now because of time-consuming obstructions faced by the relevant agencies in implementing it.

The Undi 18 bill, officially known as Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019, was passed by the Dewan Negara in July 2019 and gazetted two months later.

Previously, the EC had said the implementation of the new voting age (to 18) and automatic voter registration would be implemented from July this year.

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