KOTA BARU – Undi18 will be implemented this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
He said currently, the Election Commission (EC) is still looking into several matters before finalising the change, and it is expected to be implemented this July, thus enabling Malaysians aged 18 to vote in the 15th general election.
“However, I can’t give an exact time frame but, definitely, within this year. If we can do it by this July, we will do it,” he said after attending an Aidilfitri contributions presentation for Friday mosque officials and penghulu of the Kota Baru parliamentary constituency here today.
Takiyuddin said the government supports and is committed to ensuring that the amendment to Article 119 of the federal constitution, which lowers the age limit for voters from 21 to 18, is implemented.
“It is indeed the intention of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, for the government to give the right to our people who are 18 years old to vote and determine the leadership of our country,” he said.
On the earlier announced delay, he said many things needed to be taken into account before the Undi18 implementation, especially concerning legal aspects.
“When there is a change in terms of policy, for example, from the age of 21 to 18, there are certain laws that need to be amended and improved, because there are many laws, such as the Election Offences Act and the Election Act, and there are regulations on the running of elections and so on.
“However, the EC will take immediate steps to resolve issues related to legislation. Secondly, technical issues also need action taken by the government, especially by the EC, because when Undi18 is implemented, the number (of voters) will increase, and it needs to upgrade its computer software and so on,” he said.
Takiyuddin said most countries have adopted a minimum of 18 years as the voting age, while it is also consistent with existing law in Malaysia on the age of maturity. – Bernama, May 2, 2021
