ELECTORS (Lowering of minimum age from 21 to 18 years)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Yeoh Ghim Seng asked the Prime Minister whether it is an appropriate time now to consider the lowering of the minimum age qualification for electors from 21 to 18 years and the introduction of the necessary amending legislation.

Dr Goh Keng Swee (Acting Prime Minister): Sir, this is not the appropriate moment to consider this innovation, for we have many more important things to do. I am aware, of course, that in some Commonwealth countries this subject is agitating the minds of some people. In the Australian House of Representatives on Friday, 22nd November of this year, a proposal to reduce the voting age to 18 was rejected. I think the best policy for us is to see what the others do.