KUCHING, July 18: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Wing expressed concern over the automatic registration of new voters ages 18 and above following the constitutional amendment to lower the voting age from 21-years-old.
PBB Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu in a statement today opined this automatic registration would favour only the urban areas, as rural to urban migration would only involve families migrating and relocating from the rural areas.
“The declining population in the rural areas will not give a clear indication on how the younger generation would want their ancestral and traditional home to benefit.
“We are concerned that it might affect mainstream development (which) will be concentrated in major towns.
“The youth must be given a chance to choose where they want to vote and contribute to society,” he said.
Gerald pointed out that the gap between rural and urban areas must also be addressed or else those in the rural areas would not get the benefit and quality of services compared to major towns.
“Development must be balanced,” he said.
Gerald however gave assurance that the PBB Youth Wing supports the constitutional amendment as it would encourage and let the younger generation be more politically empowered.
“Giving them chances and a venue to voice their concerns and aspirations. At the same time creating political awareness and maturity to chart our nation’s path,” he said. — DayakDaily
