If you can be tried in criminal court as an adult at 18, there is no reason why you cannot vote at that age, said Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah.

Backing the proposal by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the new government lower the voting age from 21 to 18, Saifuddin told Malaysiakini that the move would be in accordance with the ideals of a democratic nation.

"The spirit of democracy is to widen participation. So, you want as many people to vote and to make it easy for them to vote.

"Eighteen years is already accepted by law as the 'age of maturity'. You qualify for a driving license, you can join a political party, you can own land and such. If accused of a crime, you will no longer face juvenile court but will be tried in the regular court as an adult," he said in a text message.

He had yesterday tweeted his support for the proposal mooted by the premier, tweeting: "We must encourage as many people to vote with ease. As such, it is proper that the voting age is lowered to 18 and (citizens) are automatically registered (as voters) as soon as they turn the age."

When contacted by Malaysiakini, he reiterated the need for automatic voter registration, saying the move will overcome difficulties in later registering as a voter.

Mahathir had made the suggestion yesterday, stating that the move would be a manifestation of the government's belief that the rakyat were well-educated and capable of making their own judgements. 

He had pointed out that other countries were already allowing its citizens to vote at 18.