Include former EC chairperson in tribunal, AG told

Former Election Commission (EC) chairperson Hashim Abdullah should be included in the tribunal set up to probe alleged misconduct by the former commissioners, says Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong.

"I am surprised that the former EC chairperson Hashim (photo, above) is not named to face the tribunal.

"Surely, as the former chairperson of the EC, he bears the most responsibility and should be the first in line to be investigated.

"I, therefore, urge the attorney-general to take the necessary steps to include him into the tribunal," Khoo said in a statement today.

He also agreed with the attorney-general that the tribunal is not academic, even though the EC members in question have resigned from their posts.

This, Khoo (photo, below) said, is because their resignations do not render them free from wrongdoings.

"There must be accountability for the various misconduct and irregularities in our electoral system and processes.

"The former EC (commissioners) must face the tribunal so that these issues can be thoroughly investigated and they must be held liable if found to be responsible for these failures," Khoo said.

He added that the tribunal is also important because the investigation process and its eventual findings would be essential for future electoral reform in the country.

The tribunal is the best platform to investigate and identify structural weaknesses in the electoral system, he said, as it has the necessary powers and mandate.

Various parties, such as Parliament and the Electoral Reform Committee, could also use the tribunal's findings to recommend and legislate changes to the electoral system, he said.

"The tribunal is a historic milestone in the reform process. It is the first of its kind to be set up in Malaysia, owing to the years of serious misconduct and manipulation in the electoral process.

"It signals the commitment of the new government to ensure full accountability and reform in our electoral system," Khoo added. - Mkini