KUALA LUMPUR: Slightly over half of respondents of an NST Online poll are opposed to a government plan to lower the national voting age from 21 to 18.
Conducted on Facebook and Twitter on July 23, the 24-hour survey revealed that 55 per cent of participants on both platforms – totalling 3,083 netizens – are against the Pakatan Harapan government-led proposal.
Although the “nay” camp is a small majority, the result is somewhat of a surprise to quarters which had expected overwhelming support for the initiative.
The poll was run following reports that the government is putting into motion plans to amend laws that would reduce the voting age by three years, as part of larger political reforms.
Its most vocal champion, millennial Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, sees the move as an empowerment of the youth, who can no longer be sidelined from the Malaysian political scene.
According to Election Commission data, the initiative would add 3.7 million voters to the electorate – about 25 per cent more voters than currently registered.
Youth are also more likely to vote than their elders – according to the Merdeka Centre, up to 81 per cent of young voters in the Klang Valley cast their ballots in the 14th general election.
NST’s opinion poll asked respondents whether they agree with the proposal to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, and gave them the option of indicating “Yes” or “No” – as well as the ability to comment on the issue.
Facebook user Sya Sha said: “If I can drive at 18, why can’t I vote? Driving requires more commitment, responsibility and understanding.”
This was echoed by Andrew Ojean Sarawak, who also pointed out: “18-year-olds today are more knowledgeable on political developments in Malaysia (than youth in previous generations). So why not (allow them to vote)?”
But another Facebook user, Naisekun Dokbua, argued that “(18-year-olds) should focus on their studies instead of (figuring out which politicians) should go to Parliament.”
Kee Shin Wong agreed. “18-year-olds are still minors and could be easily swayed (to make unsuitable decisions).”
Over on Twitter, opinions were just as divided.
“If they are old enough to work, they should have a say as to where their taxes are spent,” said Alan Holden.
In agreement with him was RazSalleh, who said: “We keep saying our youths are inexperienced and incapable of making informed choices. (But) wisdom is achieved by making mistakes and learning from them.”
Standing diametrically opposed to them was Kirin, who said: “Improve the education system (first). Bring up a more mature society when it comes to politics. (Then), yes.”
Also opposed was Nadia Falala, who said: “18-year-olds are not mature enough to make important decisions. Don’t bash me – I was once 18… and stupid.”