KUCHING: The five Sarawakian youths who succeeded in forcing the government to implement the lower voting age from 21 years to 18 years have been commended for their initiative.
On Friday, Kuching High Court Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew ordered the federal government, through the Election Commission, to expedite the implementation of lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years by December 31 this year.
Siew had ruled in favour of the Undi18 law suit challenging the decision of the previous government under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin to delay implementation of the Undi 18.
Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) MP Baru Bian commended the youths, saying it was heartening to note that youths now had a strong sense of responsibility towards the country and that they wanted to have a say in how the country was governed.
“For too long, our government has been led by the same politicians who have held their positions for many terms, and whose mindset and values are outdated and even unacceptable in this day and age.
“It is time that we allow the younger generations to have a voice – I hope for a new Malaysia where all Malaysians will be treated equally irrespective of race and religion, and I place my hope in the youth of our country,” said Baru Bian.
He added that if the young applicants in this action were representative of the majority of Malaysian youth, then the nation had reason to see the hope and promise of better things to come.
“In line with this, I also wish to commend the two young lawyers, Simon Siah and Clarice Chan for taking up this case and for the excellent preparations and compelling argument that they put before the court,” said Baru, who is also a practising lawyer.
