KUCHING, Dec 2: Voter age eligibility of 18 years old (Undi18) and automatic voter registration (AVR) will not be implemented in the upcoming 12th Sarawak Election (PRN12).
Though with the government’s gazette, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said PRN12 will only involve the latest electoral roll updated until Nov 2, 2021.
He explained that the electoral roll was certified prior to the proclamation of the dissolution of the 11th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Nov 3, in accordance with Regulation 9 of the Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations 2002.
“This decision is based on legal process, including the decision set by the Kuching High Court, and not to deny or set aside the rights and wishes of youths aged 18 and above to vote.
“I would like to clarify here that there is no pressure from any party on this issue. In fact, Sarawak is ready to accept these young voters. I hope this issue will not be politicised,” said Dr Wan Junaidi in a statement today.
Earlier today, the Election Commission of Malaysia (EC) secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak had announced that Sections 3(a) and (b) of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019 in relation to Undi18 and AVR were gazetted yesterday (Dec 1) following consent from the King.
Undi18 and AVR shall thus come into force effective Dec 15. — DayakDaily
