HISTORY was created in the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting today when Penang became the seventh state in the country to enable its youth aged 18 and above to become election candidates.
The motion, which was proposed by state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee to lower a candidate’s age from 21 to 18, was unanimously approved by all the 40 state assemblymen, including opposition members.
The other states which have earlier agreed to lower the age cap to 18 were Sabah, Perlis, Terengganu, Sarawak, Kelantan and Perak.
During the sitting, Soon (PH-Bagan Jermal) said the state government, through Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), had conducted a survey from Dec 8 last year to June 6 this year for feedback on the motion.
“Out of a total of 3,475 respondents who participated in the online survey, 2,261 were in favour of the motion while 1,214 were not. They were aged from 15 to 35,” he said.
Soon said the move would allow youths to stand for election similar with other countries such as Australia, United Kingdom (UK) and Canada.
“Along with the rapid development of economy, technology and progress of various industries, the involvement of young people in social and political development in Penang and Malaysia is much needed.
“They need to be given the opportunity to play a critical role in government policies as they are the generation that will determine the direction of the country in the future.
“The youth need to be given optimal opportunities and platforms to increase their political awareness. This step is to give them opportunity, space and voice to work together to shape the country’s democracy through elections,” he added.
Soon also urged the Federal Government to implement Vote 18 before the next general election.
“The Parliament House had unanimously approved an amendment to the Constitution in July 2019 to enable Malaysians aged 18 and above to vote and the implementation of automatic voters’ registration as well.
“However, there has been no further announcement from the Federal Government so far.
“The Penang government, through PYDC, will continue to work together to organise more programmes to increase youths’ awareness of democracy,” he said.
Several lawmakers from ruling government and opposition took the opportunity to debate on the motion.
State Opposition Leader Datuk Muhamad Yusoff (BN-Sungai Dua) also lauded the move to lower the age cap from 21 to 18, saying the young candidates would be able to understand better how the new generation think and act.
Jagdeep Singh Deo (PH-Datok Keramat) thanked Muhamad Yusoff for his support and related a personal experience why he felt strongly for the motion.
“When I was 17, my late father was detained in Kamunting. I was then taking up law studies overseas.
“When I returned and saw him being handcuffed to his bed in Taiping Hospital, I was determined to join politics. But I could not because of age restriction.
“So, lowering the age cap is a right move. Younger minds will lead us further,” Jagdeep said.
Others who joined in the debate were Daniel Gooi (PH-Pengkalan Kota), M. Satees (PH-Bagan Dalam), Muhammad Faiz Fadzil (PH-Permatang Pasir), Lee Chun Kit (PH-Pulau Tikus) and Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PAS-Penaga).
Earlier before the proceedings began, State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang led the assembly to observe a minute of silence in honour of former Bertam assemblyman Zabariah Abdul Wahab and former Batu Uban assemblyman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen, who passed away recently.
Story by Edmund Lee