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Malaysia's Cabinet agrees to lower voting age to 18: Youth and Sports Minister

PUTRAJAYA — The Malaysian Cabinet has agreed to constitutional amendments to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said on Wednesday (Sept 19).

The Malaysian Cabinet has agreed to constitutional amendments to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said on Wednesday.

The Malaysian Cabinet has agreed to constitutional amendments to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said on Wednesday.

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PUTRAJAYA — The Malaysian Cabinet has agreed to constitutional amendments to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said on Wednesday (Sept 19).

He said the amendment will be part of a "whole package" of other amendments being studied, so that elections in Malaysia are more transparent and fair.

"What is confirmed is that we will lower the voting age from 21 to 18. I have been tasked to meet with representatives from the Election Commission and the Attorney-General's Chambers," he said at a press conference in Putrajaya.

Mr Syed Saddiq said before Parliament could amend the Constitution, he would need to set up a parliamentary select committee comprising MPs from both sides of the political divide to obtain support for a lower voting age and to work on other issues affecting young people.

"The change requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament and I will be meeting with youth leaders of all parties represented in Parliament for their support.

"I hope for greater bipartisanship dealing with youth issues," the Bersatu Youth chief said.

He did not specify a timeline for the amendment, but said that the next Parliament sitting in October and November was likely to be focused on the national budget, while the select committee had yet to be formed.

"We need to set up the select committee and have discussions with the opposition parties. We must do it by the next general election, one way or another."

Asked if he was confident of support from opposition parties, he said MPs like former youth minister Khairy Jamaluddin, as well as former Umno Youth leader Khairul Azwan Harun, had expressed support for a lower voting age in the past.

Mr Syed Saddiq also noted that Umno recently opened party membership to 16-year-olds.

"So I think there is silent agreement, but I must do footwork to ensure everything is confirmed. It is in the interest of Malaysia to empower young people. It's a step for all Malaysians, not just one party." THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT

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