KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): The Dewan Rakyat today passed the bill to amend the Federal Constitution to pave the way for 18-year-old Malaysians to vote and stand as candidates in elections.

All 211 MPs present in the House voted in favour of the bill through a block vote, in an unanimous show of support for the amendment from both sides of the divide.  

For constitutional amendments, a two-third majority is required, meaning at least 148 of the total 222 MPs must give their support.  

The bill includes constitutional amendments to lower the voting age, ensure uniformity between voting age and candidacy age, and automatic voter registration. 

This means 18 years olds will be able to vote and participate in elections and be automatically registered as voters.

Previously, voters and candidates had to be at least 21 years old, with voters having to register with the Election Commission, in order to cast their ballot.