PARLIAMENT was dissolved last month, paving the way for the 15th general election to be held within 60 days.

This morning, the submission of nomination papers took place at nomination centres.

Our Constitution gives us the right to vote. The Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2019, also known as Undi18, which came to force last year, has lowered the minimum age of voting from 21 to 18 years, as stipulated under article 119(1)(a).

Similarly, the amendment was also made to article 47, to reduce the age at which a person can stand for election, which is now 18 years and above.

A further amendment was also made, which allows for the automatic registration of persons when they turn 18. This is under article 119(4)(b). Having said that, this also applies to those 21 years above who have not registered as voters.

As such, this demonstrates that the government is willing to give the youth the power to decide on the country’s future. So what is stopping us from fulfilling our duty as a citizen?

John Lock, the philosopher, once said a “government existed, among other things, to promote the public good and to protect its people’s life, liberty and property”.

Thus, it shows that the government is to be elected by the society and the society holds the power to instate a new government when necessary.

It is our right and duty as a citizen.

So go and cast your vote! – November 5, 2022.

* Matilda George reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.