Abdul Yakub Arbi
SIBU (Nov 17): Balingian incumbent Abdul Yakub Arbi says he personally does not fear the implementation of Undi18 which certain people have claimed to be the reason why Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is rushing into the 12th state election.
He said youths aged 18 years and above are very much welcomed to take part in the coming 12th state election and that it is just unfortunate that they would not be able to vote.
“It is just unfortunate and it is also absurd and not true to claim that GPS fears Undi18,” he told Utusan Borneo.
Starting from Jan 1 next year, the voting age for Malaysians will be lowered from 21 to 18 in accordance with the decision made by the Kuching High Court on Sept 2.
Abdul Yakub said youths nowadays are understanding and their involvement in politics could no longer be curbed.
“They are the leaders of tomorrow and all programmes organised should also include their participation,” he added.
He said the changes in the political scenario will affect the youths in one way or another.
Abdul Yakub said the programmes he conducted often focused on youth development, especially in the Balingian areas.
“I never marginalise any group of people in the society and everyone plays an important role in nation building,” he added.
In the last state election in 2016, Abdul Yakub contested under the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) ticket and garnered 4,208 votes to win the Balingian seat.
His sole rival, Nurzaiti Hamdan of Amanah, polled 1,244 votes.