Malaysia has just done it.

Every other country in ASEAN allows 18-year-olds to vote. For instance, Cambodia, Myanmar, The Philippines, and Thailand have a minimum voting age of 18 while Indonesians vote at 17.

But it looks like Singapore (and Singaporeans) will have to wait a while longer.

Chan Chun Sing: No change

On Aug. 5, Minister Chan Chun Sing replied in parliament on behalf of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in response to a question about lowering the voting age.

Lee Wee Kiak, MP for Nee Soon GRC, asked if there would be a review and the reason behind the current voting age.

Chan, who is the Trade and Industry Minister, said the government takes a "graduated approach" when it comes to setting the legal ages for various responsibilities in Singapore.

According to Chan, rights and responsibilities gradually increase as one matures, until they reach the common law age of majority at 21.

This is, "when a person comes of age to make decisions as an adult and engages in activities that involve significant personal responsibility."

Voting requires maturity

Chan explained that voting in elections involves making "serious choices" which requires "experience and maturity."

"Voters elect the President who exercises the custodial and veto powers under the Constitution. Voters also choose their Member of Parliament, and in so doing, decide on the group of individuals who will eventually form the Government."

Chan added that the government has no plans to lower the voting age, which would allow 130,000 youths to vote, but will engage them through other outreach efforts instead.

PSP called for change

During the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) launch on Aug. 3, Tan Cheng Bock called for the voting age in Singapore to be lowered to 18.

Tan said,

"At 18, they are old enough to drive. The girls enter university and the boys enter National Service. Since they have a duty to defend their country, these 18-year-olds should also have the right to elect their leaders."

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Top image from Gov.sg.