KUALA LUMPUR – Gerakan Youth delegates have called for the law on the lowered voting age to be implemented in time for the 15th general election.
Acting wing chief Wong Chia Zhen said this includes the provision on automatic voter registration.
“Hopefully, it can happen. But I have been informed that some states have not yet passed their state bill allowing youth to participate in the democratic (voting) process,” he told the wing’s 33rd delegates’ conference last night.
He said the party, which is now part of the ruling Perikatan Nasional, is committed to building a stable political environment, adding this can be realised only with continued commitment to the system of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan previously said legislation allowing voting at the age of 18 and automatic voter registration is expected to be implemented by July.
Meanwhile, Wanita head Janice Wong told her wing’s conference that it will work with women’s organisations to empower women to face the challenges of the new normal brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The people are feeling the pinch, especially those who have lost their jobs and sources of income due to Covid-19. We will set up a new working team to face the challenges of the new normal.
“We will work together by holding online business courses, helping and ensuring women master new technologies, and improving women’s skills in this era of new technology, so that they are highly competitive and can succeed.”
She expressed hope for the government to provide more allocation to the special fund for female entrepreneurs, and proposed a full subsidy for women to participate in upskilling programmes.
The two conferences, held virtually, were officiated by Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong.
When officiating at the Wanita meet, he said the party will field more female candidates in GE15.
He said this is because women have proven their ability to hold important positions in the government and private sector, and Gerakan believes female delegates have the potential to excel.
“We believe that one day, our women leaders will be capable of becoming the president, deputy president and secretary-general.”
He said he backs the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders’ call for the Election Commission to consider setting aside 30% of parliamentary and state seats for female candidates in the next elections.
He added that the party will step up efforts to voice out on social issues.
“Our party’s stand remains the same; if the government implements a policy that does not benefit the rakyat, or causes discord among Malaysians, we will continue to raise issues and questions that are central to the rakyat,” he said when officiating at the Youth wing’s conference.
He expressed hope that both wings will cooperate with other PN parties in preparing for GE15. – Bernama, March 13, 2021
