PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) should carry out the implementation of Undi18 in a speedy and effective manner, says R. Thinalan.

       The MIC Youth Chief welcomed the government's instruction to the EC to implement Undi18 by the stipulated time in accordance with the court order.

       "It's indeed a timely decision as the issue has long been pending and dragging.

       "Let youth's voices be heard in the upcoming 15th General Election," he said when contacted Tuesday (Sept 7).

       The Federal Government announced Tuesday that it will comply with the Kuching High Court's Sept 3 order to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 by the end of the year.

       Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said he had spoken to the EC on the matter.

       Wan Junaidi had said for now, there was no decision on whether or not the government would appeal against the court order.

       Thinalan pointed that among the remaining hurdles is the fact that several states have yet to amend their state constitution to allow 18-year-olds to contest in elections in their respective states.

       "We urge those state governments to table the motion within the next sitting, so that the implementation of Undi18 will be smooth," he added.

       Thinalan also noted that MIC Youth had been engaging with the target group across the country to create awareness on voting rights, the importance of exercising the rights diligently, as well as educating them on the political system and structure of the country.

       "We are indeed impressed and satisfied with the openness of the youngsters, their maturity and eagerness to be part of the voting system," he said.