Syed Saddiq lauds move to lower voting age to 18

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman

PETALING JAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has praised the move to amend the Federal Constitution to lower the voting age to 18. 

“Today is a significant day in the country’s democratic history. 

“After 60 years of Malaysian independence, finally the right and responsibility to choose the country’s future have been accorded to youths as young as 18,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 16). 

The Muar MP also lauded the united efforts of all MPs on both sides of the political divide to make the move a reality. 

“All the effort and planning to amend the Federal Constitution would not have succeeded without unity from both the Government and Opposition. 

“The bipartisan spirit and political maturity displayed in the Dewan Rakyat on July 16 is a symbolic step that the power of youth is being acknowledged and will be carried forward to the decision-making process of an election,” he said. 

He added that Pakatan Harapan has made good on its election promise to empower more youth voters. 

Syed Saddiq said that what happened shows that young people are no longer seen as a burden, adding that they carry an important duty in developing Malaysia.

“I believe this glorious day is only the start of a more democratic Malaysia. 

“The process of sowing a democratic spirit among youngsters is a responsibility that must be carried by all 222 MPs in the country.

“Today marks the day that Malaysia is capable of standing on a global platform with moral integrity and political maturity,” he added.

Earlier, a total of 211 of 222 MPs voted for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019, which surpassed the two-thirds Parliament majority of 148 needed to amend the Federal Constitution.