SHADOW OF GUILT: Paranoid BN bans Int'l Conference on Malaysia's GE13 from Parliament

There are several pertinent developments to International Conference on Malaysia 13 General Elections, they are as follows:

VENUE CHANGE

The Speaker of Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has rejected the application by the Office of the Leader of Opposition to use Parliament House.

In his written reply, dated February 26, 2013, he stated that it was unnecessary for the event to be held at Parliament, citing further that the conference was beyond the legislative jurisdiction of Parliament and suggesting it was political.

He added that he has to sustain the integrity, supremacy and sovereignty of the institution at all times.

I am unsure how having a conference discussing the manner in which democratically individuals like the Speaker are selected through a desired free and fair election would be counter to the purpose of Parliament.

The conference with eminent panellist from near and far, including those serving Dewan Rakyat from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat, is certainly an event that embellishes the integrity, supremacy and sovereignty of the institution, not detract from it.

Forced by the situation, the conference will be now held at Lake Club, Kuala Lumpur.

PANELLIST ANNOUNCEMENT

Two prominent individuals are joining the conference.

Kota Belud MP Dato’ Abdul Rahman Dahlan has agreed to be panellist. The Umno legislator from Sabah will help provide insight and more importantly increase the diversity of views in the discussions he will be part of.

The leader of Cambodia’s opposition, Sam Rainsy, has also agreed to be a panellist. The leader of the Sam Rainsy party, he brings with him the experience of electoral processes in a country recovering from a period of authoritarian rule.

I like to thank both gentlemen for their consent.

Abd Malek Hussin

Chair Convener of Conference

International Conference on Malaysia 13th General Elections