BY AMYRA VARKISA, MARGARET RINGGIT, GABRIEL LIHAN & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Young Sarawakians, especially Undi 18 voters, in the state were thrilled to cast their ballots in the 15th general election (GE15) today.
They were among those who had dipped the index fingers on their left hands into bottles of electoral ink and cast their votes for the first time in the general election nationwide.
Based on the data of the Election Commission (EC), Sarawak recorded a total of 1,943,074 voters, an increase of 59.14 percent compared to 1,220,960 people recorded during the 14th general election (GE14).
Out of that number, voters between the ages of 21 and 39 made up the largest category with 825,791 people while there were 129,034 voters aged 18 to 20.
In GE15, youth aged 18 to 20 years old voted for the first time following parliament’s approval of the proposed amendment of Section 3(a) and (b) of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019 in relation to lowering of the voting age limit from 21 to 18 years in July 2019.
In addition, those older than 18 years and above who were eligible to vote but had not yet registered were also automatically registered as voters.
Here, first-time voters shared their pride about voting for the first time.
AHMED IRAZY MOHD ROSLAN, 18
Student from Kuching
I feel proud of myself. Yes, this is the first time I am voting. I am pretty confident of my choice as I have done my research on the candidates. It wasn’t difficult for me to cast my vote.
SYED MOHD ASYRAF WAN HASHIM, 23
Student from Sibu
I am very excited as before this, I could only observe my parents exercise their democratic right to vote. This time around, I am given the chance to vote and have the power to decide the country’s future. We, the youth, now have the right to decide what we want. I hope we will get a good new
government which will give priority to youth issues.
JESSICA SIMAN JACK, 24
Trainee teacher from Sibu
This is the first time I am voting in a election and I am very excited about it. After the voting date was announced, I immediately booked my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu. With the vote I cast, I hope Malaysia will have a brighter future.
GRACE LING, 18
Student from Riam
I am excited to cast my vote for the first time in GE15. I am fortunate to be given the opportunity to choose our MPs for the next five years.
MOHAMAD ANIQ ASHWIN, 21
Student from Miri
Voting is an exciting and important experience. My voting process was very pleasant while the election officers were helpful. It is crucial for everyone to vote and participate in the democratic process of choosing who we want to represent us in the Dewan Rakyat.
LIANA BATIN, 27
Private sector worker from Lundu
This is the first time I’m voting. The government has automatically registered us as voters and hence, I think it is important for me to play my part, too, by coming out to vote. It was indeed a memorable experience for me even though I was anxious at the same time.
