EC must explain why 18-year-olds can't vote in Tanjung Piai by-election - MCA Youth

MCA Youth is urging the Election Commission to explain why 18-year-olds can contest in the upcoming Tanjung Piai by-election but are not allowed to vote.

MCA Youth chief Nicole Wong noted that this was despite the relevant legal amendments being gazetted into law on Sept 10.

“The EC should give a clear explanation to justify this discrepancy which has surely doused the enthusiasm of youths looking forward to fulfilling their civic duty in casting their ballot […]

“Is this due to technicalities? Or an issue of competence? I believe many youths would like to know the answer.

“If the EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun does not properly explain the situation, it would be a rather irresponsible move,” she said in a statement today.

She was referring to amendments to Articles 47 and 119 of the Federal Constitution this year, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years and allowed for the implementation of automatic voter registration.

Checks on the Attorney-General’s Chambers website showed that the amendments had received royal assent on Sept 4 and was gazetted on Sept 10.

However, Azhar said 18-year-olds still could not vote despite the constitutional amendments, though they may contest as candidates in elections if the returning officer allows it.

“They can’t vote because (the amendments) have not been enforced [...]

“It will be enforced once it has been decided and gazetted in the future,” he told a press conference after announcing the date for the Tanjung Piai by-election.

Azhar had previously said it would take 18 months to prepare a new system for automatic voter registration, to compile data from multiple federal agencies, synchronise data into the existing electoral roll and to clean up the electoral roll.

Wong said the by-election on Nov 16 would be a “momentous day” for both BN and Pakatan Harapan.

“The results will be akin to the half-time appraisal of the people towards Harapan’s governance, which will certainly influence Harapan’s conduct and performance leading to the next general election.

“Therefore, in a broader sense, it can be said that all Malaysians, especially the Tanjung Piai locals, would hope that the ballots cast and its result would send a clear message to Harapan indicative of their approval or disapproval,” she said. - Mkini