Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman has met attorney-general Tommy Thomas today to discuss reducing the minimum voting age to 18 years old.

In a statement today, he said it was a pleasure to meet the attorney-general and he hopes to table the necessary legislative amendments to the cabinet and the Parliament soon.

Syed Saddiq said the change will give youth more clout in the nation’s policymaking.

“It means politicians from all sides must fight for the interest of young people and can’t simply sideline them. It means we must educate our youth much better so that they can become informed voters.

“Most importantly, it means the youth can now play a much important role in the nation-building process"

He said he will fight for this in the cabinet and Parliament.

“It’s sad that countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, US, UK, France and many more recognise the intellect and maturity of their 18-year-olds, but in Malaysia, there are still some who call them ‘stupid’ or ‘immature’.

“It is high time that we change this. I want them to be a part of the nation-building process. This is our Malaysia. Together, forever,” Syed Saddiq added.

Lowering the voting age limit from 21 to 18 is one of Pakatan Harapan’s election promises in its manifesto.

Such a change would require amending Article 119(1) of the Federal Constitution.

Since Harapan controls less than two-thirds of the Dewan Rakyat, passing the proposed amendment into law would require cooperation from opposition lawmakers.