KUALA LUMPUR – PKR Youth has accused Perikatan Nasional of interfering with the affairs of the Election Commission (EC) after the agency announced yesterday that automatic registration and the lowering of the voting age will only be implemented after September 1, 2022.
In a statement, the wing accused PN of exerting pressure on the EC into making the decision, while urging the agency to not bow down to or serve as a political tool for the ruling administration.
“PN must immediately stop pressuring the EC or using the agency as a political tool to achieve power.
“The EC has the ability to perform its duties and must be independent in carrying out its responsibility and trust that has been mandated on it.”
The statement was jointly signed by PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir (Johor Baru MP), managing secretary Chua Wei Kiat (Rawang assemblyman) and vice-chief Thiban Subramaniam.
Yesterday, EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh announced that automatic voter registration and Undi18 would only be done after September 2022 due to constraints and issues affecting initial plans and preparation, instead of the promised July 2021 timeframe.
Chiefly, he blamed the movement control order (MCO) for this, while saying the electoral body would prepare an interim report on the plan’s update by September this year.
“It (the timeline) will be realised for the 15th general election in 2023. EC would like to clarify that preparations are ongoing, including in systems development, data review and coordination, engagement programmes with government agencies, political parties and non-governmental organisations, and other related preparations.“
Based on the EC's latest data, there are 5.6 million citizens aged 18 and above, of which 1.2 million are aged between 18 and 20. Some 4.4 million are aged 21 and above, who are eligible to vote but have yet to register as voters.
PKR Youth said the MCO excuse given for the delay does not make sense, and only confirmed speculations that there have been organised efforts to derail the implementation of Undi18 and automatic registration by July this year.
“PN is showing its increasing desperation to remain in power, to the point that it is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal.
“If these efforts continue, it is clearly the biggest insult to Parliament and the democratic system, while ignoring the majority decision by lawmakers to pass the amendment.”
Shocking decision
Pejuang Youth chief Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin said it is shocking that the EC is using the pandemic and ensuing movement restrictions as an excuse for the delay as the changes required for the implementation do not require physical engagements.
“It only involves changes and amendments to the electoral system,” he said in a statement.
“In fact, the EC itself has failed to explain in detail how the amendment process has been affected by Covid-19 and whether a delay is even necessary.”
Hafiz said the EC should be a facilitator in expediting Undi18 and automatic voter registration, and not be involved in any attempt by desperate quarters to stay in power.
Delay regretful, but understandable
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said while the wing regrets the EC’s decision to postpone the implementation, it understands the constraints faced by the body.
“The EC must study the most suitable method to ensure that the inclusion of new voters aged 18 to 21 does not result in any confusion come voting day.”
Fayhsal, who is also deputy youth and sports minister, added that a comprehensive plan for Undi18 must be immediately tabled to the public to ensure checks-and-balances.
He said political will is also required to ensure the plan does not falter in the future. – The Vibes, March 26, 2021
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