Youth and Sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman speaks during a press conference in Putrajaya September 19, 2018. — Picture by Hari Anggara

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 19 — The Cabinet is agreeable to lower the minimum voting age to 18, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman today.

However, the move will require a constitutional amendment.

“The change requires two-thirds majority in Parliament and I will be meeting with youth leaders of all parties represented in Parliament to get their support on the amendment,” said Syed Saddiq.

He also said the move would empower the youth in the country as they would have a direct say in the administration of the country.

In the May 9 general election, Pakatan Harapan swept to power but it did not command the requisite two-thirds majority to effect constitutional amendment.

Syed Saddiq also said that a parliamentary select committee on the matter would be set up, but he did not see the amendment taking place in the next parliamentary sitting as Parliament would be occupied with the budget.

He said the amendment may take place next year and would be applicable in the next general election.

On getting the support from the Opposition on the amendment, he said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had already lowered the membership age for the party from 18 to 16 and this would indicate that he would be agreeable to such an amendment.