ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: SHOULD THE MINIMUM VOTING AGE IN

MALAYSIA BE LOWERED TO 18?

“No right is more precious in a free country than that of having a choice in the election of

those who make the laws under which… we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are

illusory if the right to vote is undermined” which is stated from Supreme Court (Wesberry vs

Sanders, 1964). All Malaysians have the right to cast their votes to determine the future in their

country. However, 1.5 million adults in Malaysian have denied the right to vote. Should the

minimum voting age in Malaysia be lowered to 18 or the minimum voting age remain to 21? In

my opinion, the minimum voting age in Malaysia should be lowered to 18 is the better choice.

Lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18 years old have a lot to say in our country’s policy

and politics. It’s an age where people start making life-changing decisions. A lot of things become

possible once he/she turns 18. This is because 18 years old pay taxes, defend our country by

enlisting in the military, sign contracts and are legally accountable for their actions in the court of

law. According to Star News, Malaysia in the minority compared to the rest of the countries such

as United States, United Kingdom, Australia, India and Iran, where the voting age is 18. Whereas

in South-East Asia, countries like Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia are legal to vote in the age

of 18.

Secondly, Malaysians who attained the age of 18 are mature enough to be taken seriously

and hold the government accountable. The political maturity of voters is decided by their education

not by age. A voter who is well informed is far more politically mature compared to a voter who

is equipped with less information. Maturity is not a requirement to participate in elections. It is

important to have political maturity to ensure that the best people are elected, but it should not be

a condition to vote.
 Finally, Malaysians who reached at the age of 18 has the right to participate in the political

process of the country. When one talks about a democratic country, he/she would immediately

think of the act of voting. By casting his or her vote, they will be voting to decide which party will

form the government. Thus, it will give an impact to younger generations in future the right to vote

would show that the country did not neglect the lives and issues of young people.

Opponents of lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18 years old says that most youths

would be undergoing their tertiary education or preparing to enter university life at the age of 18.

They should focus on their education and is better to remain the old system. In addition, they are

too young and is not suitable for them to cast their vote. However, as stated previously, young

adults have their own rights to cast their ballots. They are the ones who make up majority of the

country. It is important to remember that they should be open enough to give them the freedom to

choose, along with the political knowledge to judge.

In conclusion, lowering the minimum of voting age will make the youths more politically

aware and make it more democratic. Therefore, the right to vote is a sacred and precious thing to

be fulfilled in any democratic country.