(4th left) Remy and the group of youths want young voters to come out and vote with clarity and rationale.
(4th left) Remy and the group of youths want young voters to come out and vote with clarity and rationale.
KOTA KINABALU: Young voters are urged to come out in full force to vote this Saturday (Nov 29) with the hope of forming a solid state government that champions the rights of Sabahans.
Activist Remy Martin Gunsalam said that according to the electoral roll, over 50% of voters in Sabah are those aged 18 to 39.
“This means one in every two voters is a Sabah youth. We are not a minority. We are the largest voice in this election, and our vote has the power to determine the direction of our state,” he said.
He said this in a joint press conference with non-partisan youth leaders, young professionals, student representatives, community organisers and civil society groups across Sabah present on Thursday.
Remy said voting was the constitutional right and responsibility of citizens and was a shared commitment to the future of Sabah.
“Elections are the primary mechanism through which we hold leaders accountable and affirm the values we expect of those who serve in public office,” he said.
“Our participation ensures that the institutions entrusted with governing our state remain transparent, responsive and truly representative,” added Remy.
He said this time, the young could truly shape the future of the Sabah government, provided the choice made was rational and done with the sole conscience of wanting the best for the state.
“To every Sabah youth, your vote matters. No matter your background, your occupation or where you reside, whether in urban or rural communities, your role in this election is significant,” he said.
He urged young voters to cast their votes with careful consideration, responsibility and attention to Sabah’s long-term well-being and to also be mindful of misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
Towards this end, the group also reminded leaders that voters can vote them into government and they can also throw them out if they do not perform according to what was expected of them, and they failed to honour their promises to the people.
