The Seputeh MP said doing so would send a “clear message” to the Perikatan Nasional-led (PN) government that “Umno means business”.

Kok noted that several Umno leaders, including ministers Khairy Jamaluddin and Reezal Merican Naina Merican, had openly criticised the Election Commission’s (EC) announcement that the automatic registration of 18-year-olds could only be done after September next year.

“It is plainly obvious that the delay was not decided by the Cabinet, but was that of the prime minister and a handful of Cabinet members who are clearly afraid of the disadvantageous voting pattern of young people against PN in the coming general election,” she said in a statement.

She said Umno leaders and Cabinet members should force a reversal of the EC’s decision by having this motion adopted at the AGM.

“Indeed, it will serve as a test for Umno on its level of influence, in terms of policy and decision making, in the PN coalition government.”

Previously, EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh had said the movement restrictions due to the pandemic had disrupted the commission’s preparations to implement the Undi18 Act passed by Parliament in July 2019.

The move has sparked criticisms from politicians and non-governmental organisations, with one, Undi18, planning to take Putrajaya to court over the delay next week.