By Nadiah Zamlus
SHAH ALAM, March 29 — Selangor’s youth state representatives have viewed the postponement of lowering the voting age to 18 (Undi18) was due to the fear of the powers-that-be over the voices of the youths.
Kota Anggerik assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halimi said Undi18 was never an issue yet the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government had preferred to play politics and deliberately denied the rights of the young people.
“It seems they are worried about the support of youth, so various tricks are used, including forcing the delay of the Undi18 process.
“Enough is enough, now is not the time for politics. This is the digital age, it is not the same as before. The youths are mature enough to make decisions, the government must continue to listen to the voice of the people,” he told SelangorKini.
Meanwhile, Balakong assemblyman Wong Siew Ki described the action as immature and the government led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin seemed to be afraid of the voice of the country’s younger generation.
“A mature government is a government that welcomes views and criticism from anyone, including the youths, and more so because they are the future for our country.
“So it is clear here, their actions in trying to delay the Undi18 process are only out of fear,” said Wong.
Meanwhile, Meru assemblyman Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mohd Mokhtar said PN’s action is a violation of the rights of the youth group and had even disrespected the Parliament, which had approved Undi18 in July 2019.
“All of a sudden, the government had to announce that the process had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 situation, it does not make sense and clearly violates the voting rights of the youths.
“Maybe they are worried that the youths will speak out and oppose their government one day,” he said.
The Election Commission (EC) had on Thursday announced the postponement of the Undi18 and automatic voter registration to after September 1 next year.
Some 1.2 million out of the 5.6 million population aged above 18 years is said to be affected by the move, based on the EC’s latest record.
On July 16, 2019, the Dewan Rakyat had unanimously passed the constitutional amendment for automatic voter registration to lower the voting from 22 to 18.
