By Nancy Nais
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth opined that there is no harm if the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government decides to lower the voting age from the current 21 to 18.
Its chief Michael Tiang said there was nothing to lose by doing so, and the move was also pertinent to ensure a healthy democracy in the country.
“There is nothing wrong with it, as youths these days are generally knowledgeable about political development. They are matured and better equipped compared to the previous generation,” Tiang said at ‘The Future of Sarawak in the New Malaysia’ forum, which formed part of the `Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2018’ event, held here today.
The full-day programme, which touched mainly on development and updates that the state government is doing, was held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). It attracted more than 7,000 Sarawakians who are either working or studying in West Malaysia.
Tiang, however, opined that voters from those age group must understand the political situation properly and not to depend or believe everything they read from the social media.
“In order for our young generation to be wise when they choose their representatives, we must educate them on our political structures. How many of them actually understand the current political system?
“We need to teach them the meaning of ruling party, opposition and how to position themselves to be responsible,” he added.
Federal Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman recently announced that the Federal Cabinet had agreed to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.
Saddiq added that the move would require a constitutional amendment. — DayakDaily
