KUCHING: The youth here are thrilled by the federal government’s assurance that it will implement Undi18 by July this year.
Undi18 allows Malaysians aged 18 to 20 to vote and new voters to be automatically registered.
Previously, the Election Commission (EC) stated that the implementation of Undi18 could only be realised by Sept 1, 2021.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan recently said that the EC was currently still looking into several matters before finalising Undi18, thus enabling Malaysians aged 18 to 20 to vote in the 15th general election.
Isaac Ningkan (student)
This will definitely encourage the youth to vote in the upcoming election as this gives us a bigger say in the democracy of our country. The youth know what they want and their rights. I urge my fellow peers to vote wisely. We must let our voices be heard and our demands to be implemented to change things for the better.
Dayang Diana (student)
This is a good decision because the youth have the right to voice their opinions on politics. We are mature enough to make good decisions so it is a responsibility we are eager to fulfil as citizens. Our voices must be heard because we know the things we want to improve for the betterment of the country.
Radin Noor (student)
It is great for the youth to be given the opportunity to vote because we make up a staggering 45 percent of the country’s population. I’m glad that the federal government has decided to move forward with the implementation of Undi18 as it recognises our rights as young voters. It is wrong to assume that the youth are too liberal, rebellious and so on.
Angelina Kiran San Juan (student)
We will not miss the opportunity to vote as it allows us to finally be taken seriously and for our young voices to be heard. By being allowed to vote, we can bridge the gap between politicians, policymakers and the youth. This will also allow us to claim our right to be involved in public governance that definitely affects our lives now as well as in the future. Youth democratic representation is very important as it makes the youth in Malaysia pay attention to national issues at a younger age.
Mohd Hyypia (student)
The ability to vote at the age of 18 is a huge leap forward for the youth in this country. It is high time we allow them to vote as many government policies affect them even though they have no say in the policy making processes. Undi18 will encourage youth to turn up and exercise their rights. This decision will also help empower them to contribute towards making this country a better place.
