KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to allow 18-year-olds to contest in by-elections, beginning with the Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election in Johor next month is seen as a turning point for the country’s democratic system and political landscape.
Many feel that the by-election, which allows 18-year-old candidates to compete, is a starting point that would bring a breath of fresh air in youth representation.
The Tanjung Piai by-election and the nomination of an 18-yer-old candidate is not only an opportunity to empower and represent a voice among young people but would also create history in the country’s elections.
In KEDAH, State Youth and Sports Department deputy director Mohd Nizam Mat Daud said the decision would enable youths who aspire to represent the people to demonstrate their leadership potential.
“It is still early to see the effects of lowering the age in the election, but the Tanjung Piai by-election may be the benchmark,” he told Bernama.
In KELANTAN, Kelantan Darul Naim Voice Association president Darul Naim (Suara Kelantan) Isham Sharuddin said the scenario was interesting because the by-election would see an 18-year-old candidate contest for the first time.
He said the development showed that the democratic system in the country was healthier as young people were given the opportunity to voice their rights.
He said their views were definitely be different from those of older folks but would represent the youth.
On Tuesday, Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said any political party contesting the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16 could nominate an 18-year-old candidate.
The decision is in line with the amendment of Article 47 of the Federal Constitution which was gazetted on Sept 10.
The Tanjung Piai by-election will be held following the death of incumbent Datuk Dr Md Farid Md Rafiq, 42, on Sept 21 following a heart attack.
In the 14th General Election, Dr Md Farid, an anaesthesiologist, from the Pakatan Harapan-Bersatu won the parliamentary seat with a 524-vote majority.
Dr Md Farid, who was also the Tanjung Piai deputy division chief, received 21,255 votes to defeat Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng (BN-MCA) who received 20,731 votes and Nordin Othman (PAS) who garnered 2,962 votes.
The Tanjung Piai is the ninth by-election after the general election on May 9, 2018.
The previous by-elections were in the state legislative constituencies of Sungai Kandis, Balakong, Seri Setia, Semenyih and Rantau while the parliamentary constituencies were Cameron Highlands, Port Dickson and Sandakan. – BERNAMA