WITH the Undi18 and automatic voter registration being gazetted and taking effect on Dec 15, youth have been urged to fulfil their responsibilities as voters with the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18.
Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said he welcomed the gazette signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and was given the consent by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
“I encourage the youth to enhance their knowledge in politics before the 15th General Election (GE) takes place.
“The state government is always sensitive and concerned about creating awareness among the youth on their rights pertaining to the ‘Undi-18’.
“Among the initiatives undertaken by the state government, through the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), are ‘Sidang Muda’, Youth Democrat Workshop, ‘Umur 18 Jadi Calon’ campaign and ‘Calon 18: Penang edition’.
“Besides that, PYDC has also collaborated with the Election Commission (EC) to implement the Undi-18 campaign so as to expose the youth on voting rights, amendment of voters age and also the age for parliamentarians and assemblymen,’’ Soon told a press conference today.
Soon added that PYDC has also collaborated with many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations to organise various youth awareness programmes.
“There are several awareness and educational programmes planned by the PYDC which will be organised next year together with the support of Village Community Management Council (MPKK) in their respective constituencies.
“Through these programmes, we believe the youths in Penang would have a better understanding of the responsibilities and roles that they have to play as new voters.
“The youth will also be given the opportunity to submit their opinions or suggestions related to the government’s policy in allowing 18 years’ old to be eligible voters,’’ Soon added.
Meanwhile, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi conveyed his thanks to the former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for advocating the matter till it got implemented.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter