Bersatu Youth has distanced itself from Senate president Rais Yatim, saying the latter's views on voting rights for 18-year-olds do not represent the government.
This came after critics hit out at Rais (photo, above), who is Jelebu Bersatu chief, for saying that letting 18-year-olds vote in the upcoming 15th general election was impractical.
"Rais is the Dewan Negara speaker, not an Election Commission representative nor a government individual speaking on behalf of it.
"As such allegations towards the government on the implementation of Undi18 is a fallacy meant to create negative sentiments towards the government," said Bersatu Youth information chief Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir in a statement today.
Rais had made the remarks dismissing Undi18 during a talk with BernamaTV last night.
The Senate president said there were many gaps in terms of implementing voting rights for 18-year-olds, despite the Federal Constitution being amended in 2019.
De facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan has set a July deadline for implementation.
Ashraf said the majority of Bersatu Youth supported the implementation of Undi18.
However, he claimed the criticism painting Rais as representing the government showed the need for better political education.
"Not understanding these 'structures' (of power) is proof of how important it is to teach youths political education.
"In fact, it is political parties that clearly don't understand the basics of nationhood and democracy. As such, the question is, are we truly ready?" he said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.