Support UNDI 18; Support reforms: MCA Youth prepared to liaise with the Youth & Sports Ministry

For the sake of Malaysia and our youth, MCA Youth supports the Bill towards allowing 18-year-olds to vote, automatic registration of voters, and eligibility as candidates. For this, we are willing to put aside our political differences, and work with the government.

Even though MCA Youth stands as the opposition Youth party, this amendment is a welcome one as it follows the global trend. MCA Youth as a political party of the new generation, will not squabble pointlessly, but will strive to work towards a better Malaysia through politics.

Through proper gateways and cultivation, youths can grow to not only become prudent voters, but also representatives of the country.

The politics of opposing for the sake of opposing is severely outdated and regressive. No matter the identity, be it the elected or the opposition youth party, when faced with pressing issues, critical matters in the nation, it is imperative that every political leader must swallow their pride and be attentive to the voice of the youths!

In current affairs, it is still commonplace for political figures to speak out for the sake of gaining publicity, even if their points make little sense. As such, this sort of backward politicking is terribly misaligned with the ideals of the current generation youths.

18-year-olds have sufficient intellect to decide where to cast their ballots. Hence, we also believe that they possess the capacity to be a candidate, and subsequently a well-standing representative of the country.

Today’s youths have already found their own way on approaching the world around them. Lots of university student leaders have a solid grasp on both national and international current affairs. Thus, in lieu of national progress, it should not be an issue to enable 18-year-olds to vote and compete in elections as candidates.

Our propositions to the Youth Ministry include reviewing and delving into the various age restrictions imposed in existing legislations.

After lowering the voting age, the government must consider incorporating civics and political education into our national education system. After all, the History and Moral Ethics subjects only touched on these elements on a very surface level. 

We also firmly advocate the repealing of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 as it erodes the autonomy of universities, interferes with academic freedom and infringes on the human rights of university students by forbidding them from participating in all political activities.

Additionally, the government should be willing to open up to a future where political organisations are allowed to enter varsity grounds in a well-organised manner to facilitate direct, open and fair dialogues with the students.

Nicole Wong Siaw Ting
MCA National Youth Chairperson

-MCA online-