Bersatu Youth chafes at delay in Undi 18

Bersatu’s youth wing today voiced regret at the Election Commission’s (EC) move to delay implementation of Undi 18 or voting for those aged 18 and above until September next year.

Its chief, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, said implementation should be as scheduled.

“However, we understand that the EC needs to study the most appropriate method to ensure the registration of new voters of 18 to 21 is going smoothly to avoid confusion during voting day,” he said in a statement.

He also offered the wing’s cooperation with all related government agencies to speed up the process.

“Concerted and targeted efforts from all parties must be accompanied by the political will to ensure that the aspiration of Undi 18 becomes a reality.

“A comprehensive plan on Undi 18 also needs to be presented to the public immediately for a check and balance process,” he said.

Yesterday, the EC said the move to lower the voting age to 18 would likely be implemented only after Sept 1, 2022.

EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said while preparations are on track, current developments and the fact that the country remains under movement restrictions due to Covid-19 had affected its plans.

“Hence, automatic voter registration and Undi 18 are expected to be implemented after Sept 1, 2022, considering the various constraints and issues that have affected planning and initial preparations,” he said in a statement.