Undi18 could lead to unpredictable GE15 outcome, says Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of Undi18 could lead to an unpredictable outcome in the 15th General Election, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

"With an expected increase in youth votes, the outcome of the coming general election is unpredictable," the GPS chief whip said on Tuesday (Sept 21).

He noted, however, that allowing youth to decide through the ballot box would help bridge the gap between politicians and policy makers in a more inclusive manner.

"It is youth empowerment that transcends political lines," he said

He added that Undi18 would also inspire more youth to participate in national development programmes at an earlier stage of their lives.

"GPS has been consistent in its stance to support the amendment to the Federal Constitution when Undi18 was tabled in Parliament.

"We are ever ready to implement it subject to the Election Commission in setting the direction and process to make it functional," he said.

On Tuesday (Sept 21), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told lawmakers in Dewan Rakyat that the government would not appeal against the Kuching High Court's decision to ordering the voting age to be lowered from 21 to 18 by Dec 31 this year.

Wan Junaidi, who was minister in the prime minister's department in charge of parliament and law, said that efforts are being taken to implement the order.

There were currently 1.2 million Malaysians aged 18 to 20 based on the EC's record as of March this year.