‘Suhakam suggestions good enough ‘

The Sun by PAULINE WONG

> No need to wait for outcome of panel, says Bar Council

PETALING JAYA: Though welcoming the setting up of a bipartisan parliamentary select committee to look into electoral reforms, the Bar Council said the government need not wait for its outcome to make positive changes.

Its president, Lim Chee Wee, said the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) had published various recommendations on electoral reforms in 2007.

“Suhakam’s report should have been debated in parliament in 2008 and if this had been done and the government was genuine about electoral reforms, the nation would not have seen such a display of discontentment. 

“Suhakam’s recommendations are commendable and no right thinking Malaysian would argue against any of their recommendations,” he said. 

Lim was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s announcement on Monday night on the setting up of the committee, comprising representatives from the government and opposition parties, to discuss all electoral reform issues well before the next general election to eliminate any suspicion of manipulation.

Cautioning Najib against making unfulfilled promises, Lee said the announcement must be followed by “real action with real changes”.

“The people have grown weary of unfulfilled promises, which is reflected in the July 9 Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) 2.0 rally, and through strong and vocal criticisms in online and social media.

“The PM’s announcement (on this committee) is a recognition of this discontent.” 

Meanwhile, Election Commission deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the committee augurs well for the future of electoral democracy in Malaysia.

He sees the committee as a “bridge” between the issues raised strongly by Bersih and reforms in policy.

“It is a good move, a good platform for all sides of the political divide to sit down and discuss the issues of elections for the benefit of the people,” he said, adding this is the “next step” to address the demands raised by Bersih. 

Bersih’s eight demands include the use of indelible ink, strict action to end vote buying and corruption, and free access to all media. 

Transparency International Malaysia (TIM) president Datuk Paul Low also commended the premier’s move, and said the select committee should be given the mandate and power to recommend all necessary action to ensure elections in Malaysia will be conducted 

in a free, fair and transparent manner.

“TI-M believes that it is critical that the select committee restores public confidence in the electoral process, said Low. 

He also hailed it as a move that will defuse the politicisation of electoral reforms and ensure in-depth and open discussions and resolution of major complaints received on the management of elections in Malaysia.