Undi18 to be implemented this year - Takiyuddin

 

The government has assured that Undi 18 will be implemented this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and law) Takiyuddin Hassan.

He said the Election Commission (EC) is still looking into several matters before finalising the policy 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 timeframe, but definitely within this year. If we can do it this July, we will do it,” he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri contributions presentation for mosque officials and the penghulu for the Kota Bahru Parliamentary constituency today.

Takiyuddin said the government supported and was committed to ensuring that the lower voting age could be implemented.

“It is indeed the intention of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, to give the right to our people who are 18 years old to vote and determine the leadership of our country,” he said.

Takiyuddin also said Undi18 needs time to be implemented as many things need to be taken into account, including 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 under the election there are many laws such as the Election Offences Act and the Election Act and there are regulations on the running of the election and so on.

“However, the EC will take immediate steps to resolve issues related to the legislation. Secondly, technical issues also need action taken by the government, especially by the EC, because when Undi 18 is implemented then the number (of voters) will increase, and it needs to upgrade its computer software and so on,” he said.

Takiyuddin explained that most countries have adopted a minimum of 18 years as voting age and the law in this country also outlines the age as the age of maturity.

- Bernama