Senator Alan Ling
MIRI: Lowering of voting age to 18 years old will speed up political awareness among youths and give them a say in elections.
The law was passed in the lower house of Parliament yesterday, but still needs the passing of the Upper House before the bill is send for royal assent.
Senator Alan Ling who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak Secretary said this is in tandem with the political will of PH federal government in wanting the youth to have a bigger role in nation building.
“Hopefully it will hasten the awareness of our youths to look at politics, as this affects our daily lives, because the policies made by the political leaders in the democratic system are relating to every aspect of our lives and conditions.
“One has to be aware and make choice in the democratic system that we are practising, and the new government is empowering the youth through this breakthrough amendment.
“This is not for short term political gain as some said it may be risky for PH to retain power in the next general elections, with the surge of few million young voters. But it is for long term overall development of youth in politics that the PH government is looking at, a macro perspective healthy for political development,” he said.
On the concerns by some parents over the lowering of voting age, Ling said parents should view it positively and be grateful that their children can be exposed to nation building at a young age.