Malaysian Electoral Reform Group Urges PM to Expedite Election Commission Reforms

The Malaysian electoral reform group BERSIH has called on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to accelerate reforms to the Election Commission (EC) chairman appointment process and amend the Election Offences Act. The group stressed the urgency of these reforms, as the term of the current EC chairman is set to end in May 2024.

BERSIH proposed that the appointment mechanism for EC members should go through the Standing Committee on Election Affairs to ensure a transparent, open, accountable, and inclusive process. The group stated that this reform is critical, as the new chairman could be responsible for studying and implementing the redelineation of electoral areas.

Why this matters: The integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Malaysia depend on the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission. Reforming the appointment process and amending the Election Offences Act are vital steps towards ensuring free and fair elections in the country.

In addition to the EC chairman appointment process, BERSIH urged the Federal Government to immediately amend the Election Offences Act 1954, which was last amended in 2003 without any significant changes. The group identified 19 out of 40 sections in the Act that needed amendments, particularly those related to corruption, election spending limits, and the need to include new provisions to modernize the law.

Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah has also suggested a special parliamentary sitting to oversee the appointment of the EC chairperson and the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA). He proposed that the meeting take place before the June sitting of Dewan Rakyat.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia associate professor Helen Ting emphasized that allowing the EC to act as an independent body would be the "mother of election reform." She added that having a parliamentary discussion about the appointment would allow both the government and the opposition to review the candidates and become more familiar with them.

BERSIH has reiterated the importance of these reforms, stating that the Prime Minister and the government do not have much time, as the position of EC chairman will be vacated next month. The group stressed that a more transparent appointment mechanism needs to be implemented immediately to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in Malaysia.

Key Takeaways

• BERSIH calls for reforms to EC chairman appointment process and Election Offences Act.
• Reforms are urgent as current EC chairman's term ends in May 2024.
• Proposed changes aim to ensure independence, transparency, and fairness of elections.
• MP Saifuddin suggests special parliamentary sitting to oversee EC chair appointment.
• Experts emphasize need for EC to act as independent body for election reform.