What are the arguments against 18-year-olds voting, according to Rais Yatim?

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Rais Yatim's Arguments Against 18-Year-Old Voting

Tan Sri Rais Yatim has argued that 18-year-olds are not sufficiently mature to exercise their democratic rights, specifically by voting. He contends that individuals at this age are still under parental authority, making it inappropriate to entrust them with the significant responsibility of determining the nation's future through elections. Yatim further suggested that the decision to lower the voting age to 18 was a decision made impulsively by the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.
Lack of Full Commitment to Democratic Rights

Rais Yatim expressed the view that 18-year-olds are not yet prepared to fully engage with and commit to their democratic rights. This perspective implies a belief that the responsibilities associated with democratic participation require a level of maturity and independence that is not typically possessed by individuals in their late teenage years.
Continued Parental Authority

A central point in Rais Yatim's argument is that individuals aged 18 remain under the authority of their parents. This familial control, in his view, diminishes their capacity for independent decision-making, which is considered essential for responsible voting. He suggested that this ongoing parental influence makes it unseemly for them to bear the weight of choosing the country's leadership.
Hasty Decision by Previous Administration

Yatim also characterised the move to lower the voting age as a hasty decision. This critique is directed at the former Pakatan Harapan government, implying that the amendment was enacted without adequate consideration of its implications or the readiness of the youth demographic for such a significant civic duty.

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What are the arguments against 18-year-olds voting, according to Rais Yatim?

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