Mahathir government ponders reducing voting age to 18 from 21

13 Sept 11:19 Key points summarised by AI

Malaysia's government, led by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq, plans to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18 before the next general elections in 2023.
This proposed change would add approximately 3.7 million new voters, increasing the electorate by 25% and significantly empowering the youth vote block in Malaysian politics.
Young voters are primarily concerned with critical 'bread and butter' issues like the cost of living, affordable housing, and employment opportunities, alongside a strong desire for their voices to be heard in nation-building.
Recognized as 'kingmakers,' youth voters were instrumental in bringing the current government to power but are noted for their lack of loyalty to any single political party.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.