KUALA LUMPUR – The Election Commission (EC) remains committed to fulfilling the implementation of Undi18 by December 31 despite numerous challenges and time constraints, said Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (PBB-GPS).
Wan Junaidi said that as per the decision of the Kuching High Court earlier this month, the EC is in the midst of preparing amendments to Article 119 of the federal constitution with regard to the minimum age for voting and automatic voter registration.
“However, the EC has also identified that several measures need to be taken before the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voting registration takes place.
“This includes a general survey of prospective voters, a field survey involving voters aged 90 and above, a briefing session involving relevant parties, and logistics review for the preparation of the 15th general election, among others.
“While all these processes are guaranteed to be completed by September 2022, the EC is committed to abide by the Kuching High Court decision, which is to ensure the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration by December 31,” he said in response to a question by Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH) on the status of Undi18’s implementation at the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
Wan Junaidi also assured Gobind that the government will not appeal against the high court’s ruling following a decision made by the cabinet over the matter.
“We will go ahead with both Undi18 and automatic voter registration simultaneously as separating them in terms of implementation will cost more time due to processes involving amendments to the federal constitution.
“We will try our best within our means to abide by the court ruling,” he added.
On September 3, the Kuching High Court ruled that the government must implement Undi18 and the related amendments by December 31, following a judicial review application.
The decision comes after Sarawakian youths initiated a judicial review action against the prime minister, federal government, and EC.
This decision may allow eight million new voters aged between 18 and 20 to take part in the 15th general election expected to be held next year.
A ruling on the same matter will be made on October 21 at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, where 18 youths have filed a similar judicial review application. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021
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