Undi18 won't be implemented in time for Malacca polls

 

Youths aged 18 to 20 will unlikely be allowed to vote in the upcoming Malacca state election which is due by Dec 3.

While the exercise to verify voter information for automatic registration is currently underway, the government's timeline to implement Undi18 is on Dec 31.

This timeline was reaffirmed by de facto Deputy Law Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Under the Malacca state constitution, election must be held within 60 days when a seat falls vacant or if the state legislative assembly is dissolved. This rule is the same in all states and also at the federal level.

The Malacca state assembly was dissolved effective Monday, after four state lawmakers led by former chief minister Idris Haron withdrew support from the BN-Perikatan Nasional government.

Registered voter

The other three were Nor Azman Hassan (Umno-Pantai Kundor), Noor Effandi Ahmad (Bersatu-Telok Mas) and Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Independent-Pengkalan Batu).

The Malacca assembly has 28 seats.

Prior to the defections, the BN-led Malacca government was represented by 17 assemblypersons, comprising 14 from Umno, two from Bersatu and one BN-friendly Independent, while the opposition has 11 seats - seven from DAP, and two each from PKR and Amanah.

Meanwhile, Mas Ermieyati said the automatic voter registration exercise will make everyone above the age of 18 a registered voter.

This includes Malaysians who are currently living abroad and are eligible for postal voting. - Mkini