SHAH ALAM MAR.14: The Election Commission (EC) should come forward to explain to the public on what is the development of “Undi 18” as the policy to lower the voting age to 18 is already at the implementation stage.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said, as an independent entity, EC should explain the work map, the process and how it is to be implemented.
“The law has been passed and gazetted and amendments to the constitution have been made to implement voter registration of persons when they turn 18.
“There must be further amendments, coordination, amendments to the state constitutions and all these must be explained by the EC,” said Reezal to Bernama and RTM in a special session at his residence here.
On this matter, Reezal Merican said, the ministry cannot take the lead as it is EC’s role to explain the direction of “Undi 18” including voter registration, voting rights and standing as parliamentary candidate at that age.
Reezal Merican added, the “Undi 18” should be defended and become a reality as 211 Members of Parliament (MPs) had supported the cause which led to its approval at the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
Reezal Merican elaborated on “Undi 18” in his comments on media reports saying that the country is still not ready to allow 18 year old people to vote even though the Dewan Rakyat had passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019.
