KUCHING, Sept 3: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has urged the Federal government not to appeal against the Kuching High Court’s ruling in ordering them to implement Undi18 amendments by Dec 31 this year.
“I urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun not to appeal the decision to respect the wishes of our youth.
“Instead, they should focus all energy and resources to implement it as soon as possible,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Yii was referring to the Court’s decision to rule in favour of five Sarawakian youths who had challenged the government under former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to expedite the implementation of lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 latest by Dec 31 this year.
He said the ruling also shows that the initial decision by the Perikatan Nasional government to delay the implementation of Undi18 constitutional amendments was “illegitimate, without basis and a form of voter suppression, especially to deny our youth of their voice and right to vote.”
“That is why I urge the Federal government to not delay the implementation anymore, not just in respect for the High Court’s decision, but also in respect to the spirit of Parliament where such constitutional amendments were passed in the House unanimously across political lines even in the midst of a highly partisan political climate.
“We need to push for a more progressive, more constructive, and more participatory politics as we welcome our youth into the arena,” he added.
Dr Yii further congratulated the five Sarawakian students and all the young people nationwide that stood up and worked hard to file this judicial review against Federal government.
“Their commitment, courage and diligence has set an example for us all that youth can take a stand in fighting for what is right for our country,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
