GEORGE TOWN – If Penang youth have their way, not only would 18-year-olds be allowed to vote in the 15th general election, but they would also get to stand as candidates.
State youth and sports exco Soon Lip Chee said an interim survey showed that out of 1,500 youth polled, 75.5% are supportive of allowing 18-year-olds to both exercise their right to vote and run for seats.
This has compelled the state to extend its survey indefinitely, with a campaign on the matter launched today, he said.
Penang is not alone, he said, with Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan and Terengganu having ratified amendments to their respective constitutions to enable 18-year-olds to contest in elections.
Soon said the Election Commission must recognise this development and amend electoral laws to make it possible.
“For now, even the voting age remains unchanged at 21. We hope the EC can expedite it, because the people want it. Most importantly, the youth are supportive of it.”
He said Penang will undertake an extensive survey to gauge feedback from all quarters on the matter of 18-year-olds standing in elections.
All 40 of its assemblymen will be engaged by the Penang Youth Development Corporation to assist in the poll and conduct a fact-finding mission.
The state was earlier unable to ratify proposed amendments to its charter due to Covid-19 movement curbs and the nationwide state of emergency, which sees Parliament and state assembly sittings suspended.
“We expect this to change soon, and we will be ready to push through our proposal,” said Soon.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, who at 32 is among the youngest reps, said the EC must accept the fact that youth make up a sizeable proportion of the population.
“Their voice should no longer be ignored. They are mature now.” – The Vibes, April 6, 2021
