GEORGE TOWN – Penang wants to prove that the people are ready for Undi18 by sharing the results of a survey titled “The Implementation of the Age Amendment of Penang Adun Candidates” launched in December 2019.
In that survey, 75.16% of respondents agreed on the implementation of the age amendment for assemblymen.
Penang Youth and Sports exco Soon Lip Chee expressed his disappointment when the Election Commission (EC) postponed the enforcement of Undi18 to September 1 next year.
“The decision of EC does not respect the decision of the Dewan Rakyat and the right of young people to vote and choose the direction of the country.
“EC’s reasoning that the movement control order (MCO) has directly affected the preparation for Undi18 is unacceptable.
“The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 to lower the voting eligibility limit to 18 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat before the Covid-19 outbreak, that was in July 2019.
“EC should have enough time to prepare and implement Undi18 at the appointed time,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He believes that most government agencies are well versed with the new norm after one year under MCO. With online technology, various tasks can be completed effectively.
Hence, he hopes the public will participate in the questionnaire titled “The Implementation of Age Amendment of Penang Adun Candidates” so the state can effectively gather views on whether or not to agree or disagree with the implementation of the age amendment of assembly candidates from 21 years to 18 years in Penang.
“The results of this survey will be presented if the State Legislative Assembly is allowed to reconvene later. So far, 75.16% of respondents have agreed on the implementation of the age amendment for assemblymen,” he added.
Young Democrats Malaysia deputy president Mohd Farid Mohd Azmi told The Vibes that Undi18 should be implemented immediately as the proposed constitutional amendment has been passed by a majority in Parliament and state assembly.
“Undi18 is also a determinant of the future of the country’s administration because a vast majority of young people are informed about world developments. Modernisation provides a deeper knowledge on what good governance is.
“It is unrealistic to say 18-year-olds are immature and unable to make decisions when they can also take up arms in police or military forces to keep the country safe.
“The emergence of young leaders is crucial to impart new, more innovative ideas for the future of the country. We have the energy to help communities and can make sound policies that will benefit the country,” he said.
To participate in the survey, click here. – The Vibes, March 28, 2021
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