TEN days after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 to lower the voting age was passed at the Dewan Rakyat, the bill was approved by the Dewan Negara today with a two-thirds majority. 

With the passing of the bill, the 15th general election will see 18-year-olds given the vote, who will also be automatically registered to vote when they become of age.

The amendment drew support from 47 of the 68 Senate members, which was more than the two-thirds majority required, while 24 senators took part in the debate session.  

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong, when tabling the bill, said the decision to lower the voting age to 18 from 21 was in line with global democratic practices as seen in developed nations such as the United Kingdom and Germany.

“Following this development, Malaysian youth were moved to also want the same rights, and this decision will give them the opportunity, room and voice to join forces and shape the nation’s democratic process through the ballot box,” he said. – Bernama, July 25, 2019.