EC already studying reforms

Election Commission secretary says it is looking into inputs by NGOs and other social bodies.

EC secretary Mohamed Elias Abu Bakar says it is already studying proposal to bring down voting age to 18 and automatic voter registration. (Facebook pic)

BANGI: The Election Commission (EC) is open to carrying out electoral reforms, its secretary Mohamed Elias Abu Bakar said today.

Elias said the EC was looking into every suggestion.

“Definitely we want to carry out improvements. We are looking into the promises made by the government.

“We are also looking into inputs given by NGOs and other social bodies, and evaluating them.

“We have formed a working committee at our level and have sat down three times to hold discussions. There is also a special committee on EC reforms set up by the government.

“In fact, we have already formed clusters on many of the suggestions.

“We have compiled the suggestions, such as bringing down the voting age from 21 to 18 and automatic voter registration.

“We have already started studying such proposals,” he said when met at the Balakong by-election nomination centre at the Hulu Langat district office today.

Elias was appointed EC secretary after the May 9 general election.

“One of the improvements we have made is to allow observers. Were there observers before this?

“During the Sungai Kandis by-election, Suhakam (Human Rights Commission) was there. They have seen everything and they told us they have confidence in us.”

Elias said they would also be including the disabled among their observers to see how disabled voters are treated.

Two days ago, Putrajaya had announced the establishment of an electoral reform committee tasked with improving the election laws and processes.

The committee will be headed by Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, the former EC chairman.

“Our EC officers have met this committee and we are looking forward to discussing the reforms with them,” said Elias. -FMT