Teens and students happy with ‘freedom’ to vote

PETALING JAYA: It’s mostly “ayes” from Malaysian teenagers and students to a Cabinet decision to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.

This would lead to more politically aware students said Form Six student Ariv Anaandha Chelvam.

There would also be a sense of freedom for teenagers to speak out and execute their responsibility as voters, he said.

Ariv Anaandha, 19, said: “Many teenagers are aware of current happenings in the country.

“The question of them being immature should not arise, especially when the law sees an 18-year- old as an adult.”

On Wednesday, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the Federal Constitution would be amended to allow for the voting age of 18 instead of 21.

Varsity student body, Persatuan Belia Harmoni, president Ahmad Taqiyuddin Shahriman lauded the step, saying this would mean that school leavers could vote.

“This may lead the government to include some form of political education into schools’ curriculum and subsequently, provide a better education for the youth.”

He was of the view that nations could progress more if their students were articulate in political issues.

“This is what we are looking forward to as we want 18-year-olds to be able to make decisions that will have a positive impact and eventually lead to a better society,” he said.

He was disagreeable to the notion that these students might not be mature enough to vote.

“It’s not a question of whether they are mature enough but whether we are allowing them to mature.”

“We must give them an avenue to make decisions based on good justifications. To vote is the responsibility of all Malaysians.”

Nursing student Rachel Ovinis, 18, said that if 18-year-olds were eligible to obtain their drivers’ licences, they should also be allowed to vote.

“I feel we are underestimated by adults,” she said.

“We are well aware of what’s happening through social media such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube; that’s also how the new ministers are reaching out to us.”

HELP University student Nicholle Ann, 21, felt that lowering the voting age would not make a big difference.

“Those who don’t care will not vote, and those who do, can make a difference at a younger age.”

“If young people are given better education and proper access to information, they would be able to form better judgement on politics,” she said.

UKM undergraduate Fatin Afiqah Anuar, 20, disagreed with the lower voting age.

“While 18-year-olds are viewed as adults and can decide on their career path, I feel they may not be mature enough to decide on the political fate of their country,” she said.

Form Six student Jaganath Hari echoed Fatin’s sentiments, saying teenagers have not had enough exposure to the outside world.

“They focus too much on passing their exams rather than learning what’s going on around them.

“Some may even jump on a bandwagon and follow what their friends do. So I think the minimum voting age should remain at 21,” Jaganath said.