GE should not be held until 'Undi 18' is implemented, says Upko

 By Olivia Miwil - March 26, 2021 @ 11:04am

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) secretary-general Nelson W Angang (inset) said he believes the government would follow the gazetted amended Federal Constitution on changing the voting age from 21 to 18-years-old. - NSTP/File pic

KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister cannot call for an election until voters from the age of 18 are allowed to exercise their rights.

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) secretary-general Nelson W Angang said he believes the government would follow the gazetted amended Federal Constitution on changing the voting age from 21 to 18-years-old.

Yesterday, the Election Commission (EC) announced that the endeavour, dubbed Undi18, can only be implemented next year.

"They may legally do so considering the provision of section 1(2) of the Constitution Amendment Act.

"But it is my view that such prerogative must be exercised before the current parliamentary term expires in 2023 or before a general election is called," he said in a statement.

The commission had also indicated that 1.2 million people between the ages of 18 and 20 were not a huge figure.

However, Nelson said it was not about the numbers but about their constitutional rights being prevented in the event an early election being called before the implementation of Undi18.

"For the EC it could be a small figure but even with a small number of voters, it could have a big impact on the result of the General Election.

"As we all can see with the current Federal Government, even support from one Member of Parliament is important to bring legitimacy to this government. So, it would be a mistake to undermine the importance of implementing Undi18 and its effect."

On another matter, Nelson said the EC should also address issues in Sabah on illegal immigrants getting identification cards by dubious means.

He added Upko has raised this concern before in several dialogues with the EC concerning the implementation of the automatic voters' registration.

"Though Upko is fully in support of Undi18, but at the same time it has always been our stand that the relevant authorities such as the National Registration Department must work together with the EC.

"It is to address and find a mechanism that those who are automatically registered as new voters are really Malaysian citizens and not those who obtained their Identification Card illegally."