Dewan Negara passes Bill to lower voting age to 18

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Ten days after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 to lower the voting age was passed at the Dewan Rakyat, the amendment was approved by the Dewan Negara with a two-thirds majority.

With the passing of the Bill, the 15th General Election will now see Malaysians aged 18 eligible to vote, as opposed to 21 before this, besides being automatically registered as voters when they turn 18.

The amendment drew support from 47 of the 68 senate members, which was more than the two-thirds majority required, while 24 senators took part in the debate session.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong, when tabling the Bill, said the decision to lower the voting age to 18 was in line with global democratic practices, with many developed nations such as the United Kingdom and Germany having done the same.

"Following this development, Malaysian youth were moved to also want the same rights, and this decision will give them the opportunity, room and voice to join forces and shape the nation's democratic process through the ballot box," he said. – Bernama