KUCHING, March 26: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth laments the delay of the implementation of Undi18, which will leave out millions of eligible voters between the age of 18 to 20 as well as those aged 21 and above who are yet to be registered.
According to a joint statement issued by six PBB youth members today, the amendment to the Federal Constitution for AVR (automatic voter registration), lowering of voting age to 18 and making 18 the minimum age for a Malaysian citizen to run for public office has been passed unanimously in Parliament on July 16, 2019.
“For Sarawak, the Bill to amend Article 16 of the State Constitution to lower the minimum age required for a person to become an elected representative from 21 to 18 years old was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Nov 12, last year.
“We hope that the EC can expedite the implementation of the Undi18 for it to be on time for the upcoming General Election and the State Election,” it said.
The statement was issued by PBB Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar), Fazzarudin Abdul Rahman (Tupong), Aidel Lariwoo (Sadong Jaya), Miro Simuh (Serembu), Allan Siden Gramong (Machan), and Luknisman Awang Sauni (Sibuti), in response to the recent announcement by the Election Commission (EC) to defer the much-anticipated automatic voter registration (AVR) and lowering of the voting age to 18 from 21, stating that it can only be realised by Sept 1, 2022, at the earliest.
The statement noted, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government welcomes the participation of youths in politics as well as in the democratic process. The interests and aspirations of the youths are of paramount importance to safeguard Sarawak’s future.
It said the youths must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights in accordance with the amended Federal Constitution.
“This group, growing up in a world surrounded with information are mature, knowledgeable and well informed of the current political situation and its predicaments. They are the backbone to our future and their voices need to be heard.
“We need them to be involved in the democratic process, instil an interest in politics to prepare them to make critical decisions as future leaders,” the statement added. –DayakDaily.
