KUCHING: Many youth are unhappy that the Election Commission (EC) has postponed the implementation of the automatic voter registration (AVR) and the lowering of the voting age to 18 years old (Undi 18).
To some, delaying the implementation of Undi 18 is like preventing them from voting in the coming elections.
Others feel the delay is not a big issue as they think they are not politically mature enough to vote at the age of 18 and would rather cast their vote at the age of 21.
Recently, EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh explained that the AVR and Undi 18 could only be implemented after Sept 1, 2022 in view of the various constraints and issues during the movement control order (MCO) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Isaac Ningkan
Personally, I was quite excited that I was able to vote this year but EC’s unacceptable decision was very disappointing. The delay is a major blow to many youth. If we can voice out our opinions on social media regarding this issue, I am sure we are mature enough to think and vote.
We want our voices and opinions to be heard, not suppressed. After all, hasn’t it always been said that the youth are the future of our country?
Nur Fitriyani
I think it is not fair for us to wait for another three to four years in order to be able to vote. I believe every 18-year-old should be given the chance to vote. We don’t want to wait until we are 21.
Iman Zakwan
I personally think that EC should understand and observe the political interest among those aged 18. Even though it is a good idea, that does not mean all of us are interested to cast our votes or understand the current political situation. If any 18-year-old wants to vote, it is his/her choice.
Dillon Unting
How is it possible that the youth are able to attend online classes through various online platforms, start small businesses from home to support themselves and their families during the movement control order (MCO) but the government cannot assemble to implement Undi 18 due to a mere technical difficulty faced by the EC?
If the implementation of automatic registration cannot take place for now, then the youth should be allowed to register with the system that is currently available. The government had a period of more than a year to convene and think of alternative ways to make Undi 18 a reality. The delay not only affects the youth’s decision to cast their votes but deprives them of their rights as citizens of this democratic country.
Isaac Law
For me, the delay in the implementation does not affect me as I am not very familiar with the political scenario of our country. I will vote at the age of 21 as I will be more mature by then.
