Liew: More than 50% of Malaysians eligible to vote if voting age reduced from 21 to 18

PETALING JAYA: More than 50% of Malaysians would be eligible to vote in the next general election, if amendments to the laws are passed to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said it would be the most important historical development post-Merdeka, as those aged 18 and above would be eligible to decide on the next government.

"If the amendment is passed, we will get 3.8 million new voters, bringing the total number of eligible voters to 18.8 million if the GE is called in 2023.

"This will mean more than 50% of the total 32 million citizens who would be eligible to vote," he said on Saturday (June 29).

Liew hoped Opposition MPs would also support the motion to amend the law, as they need a two-third majority support in Parliament to enforce it.

He said they were nine MPs short to ensure the amendments were passed.

"We (Pakatan Harapan) have 139 MPs and we are short of nine MPs to pass the amendment.

"We hope Barisan Nasional, as well as PAS, GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak), and independent MPs, would support this historical development.

He said this after opening the Silverton Capital and Unicorn Hub in Damansara Utama.

Silverton was created to draw foreign investment, while the Unicorn Hub was set up to provide affordable co-working space for young entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

On the special motion to compel parliamentarians and senators to declare their income and assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Liew said they only need a simple majority to pass it.

He called on Pakatan MPs to turn up in full force when the special motion is tabled in Parliament on Monday (July 1).

However, he said they have yet to ascertain the nature of punishment for those who fail to declare their assets.- Star