KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — The parliamentary select committee on
electoral reforms has summoned the Attorney-General to explain why the
government cannot use indelible ink — a key demand by polls reform
movement Bersih — in a general election expected soon.
The Malaysian Insider understands
that while the nine-man committee unanimously agreed that marking
voters to avoid multiple voting could be implemented, Tan Sri Abdul Gani
Patail (picture) believes the Federal Constitution does not allow the authorities to force a voter to be marked with permanent ink.
Election Commission (EC) chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof is also understood to have said in today’s committee meeting that the advice of the country’s top lawyer must be sought over the measure that was abandoned at the 11th hour before the March 2008 general election.
“The A-G is insistent that the constitution must be amended but everyone else says it is okay,” a member of the committee told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity.
Panel chief Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili told reporters today that “the Attorney-General will be called to advise on legal and constitutional aspects.”
The EC had initially planned to use indelible ink, bought at a cost of RM2.4 million, for the 2008 general election but backed out at the last minute, citing public order and security issues.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that the last-minute change cost his coalition 15 federal seats.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak pledged to form the bipartisan committee after over a month of international condemnation following his administration’s clampdown on the July 9 Bersih rally for free and fair elections.
The government also promised to adopt Bersih’s eight demands, which include cleaning up the electoral roll and extending campaign periods, as part of the committee’s scope.
The coalition of 62 NGOs has since gone on a nationwide campaign, demanding the government fulfil the eight demands before calling for a general election that is expected soon.
Opposition leaders, who strongly back Bersih, have also warned that further rallies will be held if the government fails to implement these demands.
The Malaysian Insider understands
that while the nine-man committee unanimously agreed that marking
voters to avoid multiple voting could be implemented, Tan Sri Abdul Gani
Patail (picture) believes the Federal Constitution does not allow the authorities to force a voter to be marked with permanent ink.Election Commission (EC) chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof is also understood to have said in today’s committee meeting that the advice of the country’s top lawyer must be sought over the measure that was abandoned at the 11th hour before the March 2008 general election.
“The A-G is insistent that the constitution must be amended but everyone else says it is okay,” a member of the committee told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity.
Panel chief Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili told reporters today that “the Attorney-General will be called to advise on legal and constitutional aspects.”
The EC had initially planned to use indelible ink, bought at a cost of RM2.4 million, for the 2008 general election but backed out at the last minute, citing public order and security issues.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that the last-minute change cost his coalition 15 federal seats.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak pledged to form the bipartisan committee after over a month of international condemnation following his administration’s clampdown on the July 9 Bersih rally for free and fair elections.
The government also promised to adopt Bersih’s eight demands, which include cleaning up the electoral roll and extending campaign periods, as part of the committee’s scope.
The coalition of 62 NGOs has since gone on a nationwide campaign, demanding the government fulfil the eight demands before calling for a general election that is expected soon.
Opposition leaders, who strongly back Bersih, have also warned that further rallies will be held if the government fails to implement these demands.
No comments:
Post a Comment