Youth vote will make Malaysia a better country, says group

KUCHING: The group of youth who took the government to court over delays to Undi18 are looking forward to voting in the next election.

Grace Chang Swee Ern said the youth would now have a voice in the country’s future through the democratic process.

“I’m happy that Undi18 is now implemented, with new voters’ names to appear on the electoral roll by this Sunday (Jan 16).

“Although it’s not in time for the state election, hopefully the previous election will be the last that Undi18 voters will miss,” she said on Wednesday (Jan 12), referring to the 12th Sarawak election which took place on Dec 18.

Chang also said that youth in Malaysia needed to be informed and educated voters.

“I’m looking forward to the impact of youth votes which will lead Malaysia to be a better country,” she added.

Chang was one of five Sarawakian youths who filed a judicial review application at the High Court here last year, challenging the government’s delay in implementing Undi18 after July 2021.

On Sept 3, High Court Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew ordered the Election Commission and the government to implement the lower voting age by Dec 31.

The Star reported on Wednesday (Jan 12) that the names of 5.8 million new voters will appear on the electoral roll on Sunday following the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration.

Of the total, 1.2 million will be Malaysians aged 18 to 20 while 4.6 million will be those who have not registered as voters.

Ivan Alexander Ong, another applicant in the judicial review, said he was “beyond happy” that history was being made with Undi18’s implementation.

“I cannot wait to see how this will impact the coming general election.

“Finally the youths’ voices will be heard,” he said.