GE with online campaigning the way out - former EC chief

 

A former Election Commission (EC) chief has proposed holding a general election (GE)with strict virtual campaigning rules to help overcome the nation’s political stability once and for all.

Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof opined that this was the best solution provided the process was well-regulated.

He had helmed the EC from 2008 to 2016 and oversaw GE12 in 2013.

“My concern is that the campaigning period needs to be at least 12 days minimum. This requires politicians to meet with the rakyat.

“We need strict rules on this; we can’t allow face-to-face campaigning and we need to do it virtually.

“Although this will not satisfy politicians, we must do this to stop the spread of Covid-19,” Aziz was quoted as saying.

According to the article, the veteran suggested that the voting period be extended.

He further said the GE should only be held once 90 percent of the population was vaccinated against Covid-19.

As of Aug 16, only 47.2 percent of the entire Malaysian population had been fully vaccinated against the virus while 73.7 percent had received their first dose.

Same thing will happen

Elaborating, Aziz believed that it was not a viable solution to have the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoint a prime minister based on who he believed was likely to command the confidence of the majority of MPs.

This process is provided for in Article 43 (2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

“The same thing will happen. How many times do we want to go through the same thing?

“Look at what we have now: politicians will not calm down no matter who is chosen.

“When a PM does not have a majority because one or two people withdraw support for them, then his tenure needs to be ended. What is this?” he exclaimed.

The former civil servant now heads the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais).

The Perikatan Nasional government collapsed yesterday after Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as prime minister.

This comes after months of political stability, which came to a crescendo when 15 Umno MPs led by party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi withdrew support for the prime minister and PN.

At 17 months, Muhyiddin is the shortest-serving prime minister in the country’s history. PN is also the most short-lived administration.

The Pagoh MP will remain as caretaker prime minister until a viable replacement is found.

In a move reminiscent of 2020’s Sheraton Move, a slew of political party chiefs have been summoned to Istana Negara today for an audience with the Agong. - Mkini