Opposition MPs invited for briefing on lowering voting age

PETALING JAYA: A special briefing will be held for Opposition MPs today on the proposed amendment of the law to lower the voting age to 18.

In a letter seen by The Star, the Youth and Sports Ministry has invited lawmakers from Barisan Nasi­onal, PAS, PBRS, PBS, Parti Ga­­bungan Sarawak, Parti Sarawak Bersatu, STAR and Upko to attend.

Independent MPs are also invited for the briefing to be held at the Parliament building’s dining hall.

“The ministry, together with the Election Commission, will be presenting the briefing,” it said in the letter.

Aside from briefing them on the amendment to Article 119 of the Federal Constitution, the ministry is also expected to present plans on another proposed amendment which involves youth development and organisations.

PAS lawmaker Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan of Kota Baru said he has received the invite.

“If my schedule permits, I would like to attend and the government to hear PAS’ views on this issue,” he said.

Last year, the Pakatan Harapan government announced its plan to lower the legal voting age to 18.

Other countries that have lowered their voting age to 18 include the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Iran, Indonesia, the Philip­pines, Thailand, Cambodia and Australia.

In April, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the government will table a Bill to amend the Federal Constitution and lower the voting age from 21 to 18 years at the next Parliament meeting.

The Dewan Rakyat is in session until July 18.