3.8m new voters next polls
Published on: Monday, July 15, 2019
By: Winnie Kasmir
SANDAKAN: A total of 3.8 million new voters are expected to be eligible to vote in the 15th General Election if the Bill to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 is passed during the current Parliament session.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong (pic) said Malaysia presently has close to 15 million registered voters, out of a population of 31 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
“So, if the Bill is passed, we will have some 18 million eligible voters in the next general election. However, the Bill will need bipartisan support to achieve the required two-thirds majority, as Pakatan Harapan (PH) currently holds only 139 of the 222 seats in Parliament.
“This amendment is made for the people and I am happy on the feedback from opposition party leaders who have voiced support,” he told a press conference at the Sandakan Airport.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019, aimed at lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, went through the first reading in the Parliament on July 4.
The Bill, tabled by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, seeks to amend Article 119(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution that would enable more Malaysians to vote through an election and select the government in line with the progressive democratic system.
ADVERTISEMENT
On another development, Liew said it would be historical for Sabah when the Bill to increase Sabah State Legislative Assembly seats by additional 13 is tabled and approved in the Parliament this week.
“I hope all Sabah MPs will support this move to ensure we will get the new seats,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
On Aug 9, 2016, the Sabah State Assembly passed an amendment to Article 14(2) of the Sabah State Constitution to increase the number of assemblymen from 60 to 73. It was gazetted after receiving the consent of the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negri.
Based on the new delineation, the proposed new seats are Bengkoka, Mangaris, Pintasan, Pantai Dalit, Darau, Tanjung Dumpil, Dambai, Tulid, Telupid, Sungai Manila, Lamag, Segama and Kukusan.
Meanwhile, Liew also said the Bill to repeal the mandatory death penalty is expected to be tabled in Parliament in October once the Government decides on appropriate prison terms for 11 serious criminal offences covered by it.
He said a task force will soon be set up to study the matter.
“This will involve a major shift in policy and as such, the Government needs more time to study it and make a decision,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
