A LOWER voting age will allow for a better representation of youth in the country, said analysts, backing the move by the Pakatan Harapan government to bring it down from 21 to 18.

It will also benefit parties from both sides of the political divide, depending on how politicians perform, they said.

Lowering the voting age will strengthen the electoral system and political process, said Merdeka Centre executive director Ibrahim Suffian.

“Currently, the 21-year-olds represent youth, right down to the smallest child. Lowering the voting age to include those aged 18, 19 and 20 will allow for a wider representation of the population,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman earlier this week said the cabinet has agreed to lower the voting age to 18.

A parliamentary select committee comprising MPs from both sides of the divide will be set up to obtain support for the lower voting age and to work on other issues affecting young people, he said.

Ilham Centre acting executive director Mohd Azlan Zainal also lauded the move, saying it will groom youth to be responsible citizens.

He suggested that the government register voters automatically when they turn 18.

“It will be easier and practical. There should also be a condition that all citizens must vote or they will lose the privilege.

“It will, however, require careful studies to ensure we achieve what we want, to build a better Malaysia.”

All sides to benefit

The lowering of the voting age will have an effect on the political landscape from which both the government and opposition can benefit, depending on how politicians and their parties perform.

Analysts estimate that in the next five years, Malaysians aged 18 to 21, who are eligible to vote, may reach close to three million, or a sizeable 21% of the total number of voters.

Having more youth voters might benefit PH in the short term, but not forever, said Institut Darul Ehsan deputy chairman Professor Mohammad Redzuan Othman.

“This is a dynamic group of voters, who are more rational and idealistic. They have no loyalty to political parties like the older generation.

“They will vote for parties that they believe can do the job. It means they can change the government. Parties and politicians must truly serve the people to gain their support.”

Ibrahim agreed, saying both PH – formerly in the opposition – and PAS might benefit in the short run, but in the long run, opposition parties stand to gain.

The younger generation tends to be idealistic and less supportive of the establishment, as seen in the previous elections, he said.

“In the 13th and 14th general elections, more than half of youth voters chose opposition parties (Pakatan Rakyat and PAS) over Barisan Nasional.

“In the long run, opposition parties may stand to benefit. Those that are more credible and truthful to the aspirations of the country will gain the support of youth voters.”

The government should also be mindful of the demographic profile of youth voters, said Ibrahim.

“The majority will be Malay-Muslims. In the last elections, youth voters aged 21 to 30 were nearly 75% Malay-Muslims.”

PH did not secure the majority of Malay votes in GE14. Most of the Malay votes went to PAS, and some to BN.

Youth ready to do their bit

Ibrahim and Redzuan agreed that Malaysians are ready for the voting age to be lowered, citing how some countries’ voting age is below 18.

Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Austria, Malta, Scotland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are countries that allow voting at 16. In Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro, those aged 16 to 18 are eligible to vote if they are employed. The voting age in Indonesia is 17.

Ibrahim said it is only fair to allow young Malaysians to be more informed, involved and responsible citizens by letting them vote.

“At 18, Malaysians can drive, hold employment, enter contracts and join the army to defend the country. Even 16-year-olds can work and be liable to pay tax.

“Why shouldn’t 18-year-olds be allowed to vote and have a say in what kind of government they want? We should treat adults like adults.”

Redzuan from the Selangor government think-tank said youth mature faster these days compared with four or five decades ago, as knowledge and information have become more easily accessible.

“We cannot underestimate their ability to think these days,” he said, citing as an example his teenage daughter, who can discuss politics with him.

“She’s 14, but she knows politics. She asked me about Anwar Ibrahim and the Port Dickson by-election. She can justify to me why she supports something or someone.”

There are, however, concerns that the education system does not prepare young people with enough knowledge about politics.

Azlan said allowing younger Malaysians to vote should be in tandem with the awareness of their responsibility to vote, or it would defeat the purpose.

“Education is the key. There has to be a holistic approach to instil patriotism at schools.

“We have to put more focus on subjects like history and general studies, or introduce a new syllabus that teaches youth to love the country.” – September 22, 2018.