Age is just a number
The words ‘youth’ and ‘young’ have been circulating pre- and post-election. While many like the idea of younger, fresher faces going into politics, many still do not take to the idea that well. Comments ranged from, “We need the young who will voice out what the current voters want,” to “He’s just a boy—what makes everyone think he will make a difference?”
As it turns out, a difference has been made. He was sworn in as the youngest Member of Parliament in history on July 16. Following this, he quickly established his first priority. “My first duty is to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18. With the support of the other MPs, of course,” he politely added. For Prabakaran, the bigger picture isn’t joining politics for the sake of it, but to support new ideas. All in the name of developing and enhancing youth programmes.
Needless to say, his youth, a topic of interest to all, was heavily discussed. We are certain he has exhausted the use of the phrase, ‘Age is just a number.’ Sure enough, he reiterated: “When people approach me for help, they don’t ask my age. Age shouldn’t be an indication as to whether you should or should not help someone, and it definitely should not be a barrier when one is thinking of getting into politics. That’s a popular notion among the elders and the politicians across all political parties—and that’s what I’m here for, to change that,” he argued.
