Speaking on political awareness & maturity among malaysian youth

 I was invited by United Kingdom & Eire Council of Malaysian Students (UKEC) to speak on “Political Awareness and Maturity Among Youth” for their 11th Malaysian Student Leaders Summit (MSLS). I had to the privilege to speak alongside Minister in Prime Minister's Department, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy binti Shukri and YB Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Member of Parliament for Serdang (DAP).

I spoke on young Malaysians' level of political participation, proposed policy to encourage civic engagement and challenges ahead.

You can view the presentation on UKEC Facebook page.

Here's my slide presentation:

This session was followed by a "resolution debate." During the debate, participants will discuss and vote on the clauses to form the final resolution.

Two groups of students who proposed two motions. 

1. UNDI18 Taskforce from Malaysian Students’ Global Alliance (MSGA)
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The Council,

1. Advocates the implementation of a neutral political education for youth in public and private institutions that equips them with the capability to make informed decisions.
2. Calls upon the Government and Parliament of Malaysia to take steps towards amending Article 199(1) of the Federal Constitution to reduce the minimum voting age in Malaysia from 21 to 18.

Motion 1 was passed. However, motion 2 failed in an almost 50-50 split. Overall, the UNDI18 agenda was defeated.

2. Arveent Kathirtchelvan; Cia Yee Goh, representative from Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-undang Malaysia di United Kingdom & Eire (KPUM)

The Council,
1. Calls upon the Government and Parliament of Malaysia to take steps towards amending Article 199(1) of the Federal Constitution to reduce the minimum voting age in Malaysia from 21 to 18.
2. Further requests these bodies to establish a bipartisan Parliamentary committee to study this amendment by means such as but not limited to:
a. Academic research on political awareness, maturity, and education among youth in Malaysia in comparison to the world.
b. Conducting a population censuses on youth and its projection in the future for accurate representation of youth in Malaysia.
3. Expresses its hope that these bodies will ensure that the constitution will uphold the principles of a representative democracy.

All 3 motions were passed. Overall, the agenda by KPUM was passed by unanimous vote.