As Undi18 comes into force, only Johor, Malacca yet to lower age to contest

 

Johor and Malacca are the last two states that have not yet lowered the age to be eligible to contest in state elections to 18.

As such, the Undi18 group hoped the two states would make the necessary amendments soon.

"We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts made by the various state governments and the corresponding grassroots campaigners in ensuring that youths as young as 18 years old are able to stand for election.

"Until today, only the states of Johor and Malacca have yet to pass the bill through their state legislative assemblies.

"We hope that such amendments are implemented soon for the benefit of all," the group said in a statement today.

The statement coincides with constitutional amendments to lower the voting age and eligibility to contest at the federal level to 18 years old coming into effect today.

The amendment includes automatic voter registration for anyone above the age of 18.

At present, the government has said that youths will be registered around one and half months after their 18th birthday.

"After years of advocacy and campaigning, Malaysian youths will finally be able to reap the fruits of their hard work.

"This long-awaited event will finally allow 5.8 million Malaysians to exercise their very fundamental right as citizens of this country to elect their leaders at the ballot box," Undi18 said.

The group added that this was the culmination of five years of hard work that involved various stakeholders, ranging from NGOs, government bodies, politicians and more.

The voting rights for 18-year-olds will not be applicable during the Sarawak state election on Saturday, which uses an electoral roll from November. - Mkini