Tribunal sets new standard of accountability for electoral commissioners, says Bersih

Bersih 2.0 says the tribunal hearing allegations against the conduct of six former Election Commission members will help ensure clean and fair elections in the future.

PETALING JAYA: Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 hopes a tribunal investigating allegations of misconduct by six former Election Commission (EC) members will set a standard of accountability for all public officials managing elections in the country.

It said although the intent of the tribunal may be rendered academic following the resignation of the six, it could set the record straight and send a strong message that public officials will be held accountable if found guilty of dereliction of their duties.

“It signals that to win elections ‘by hook or by crook’ will no longer be tolerated by the people,” it said in a statement today.

The tribunal today began its hearing in Klang.

Its members are retired Federal Court judges Steve Shim Lip Kiong, who is chairing the tribunal, Zaleha Zahari, Suriyadi Halim Omar, Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha and Prasad Sandosham Abraham.

They were appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Articles 114(3), 125(3) and 125(4) of the Federal Constitution.

The six former EC members are Othman Mahmood, Md Yusop Mansor, Abdul Aziz Khalidin, Sulaiman Narawi, K. Bala Singam and Leo Chong Cheong.

Bersih said the tribunal – the first in Malaysia and in the Commonwealth – was established following a complaint it lodged after GE14.

“This should be the starting point to rectify the flaws in our electoral system, especially in the appointment of EC members, to ensure truly independent and competent candidates are appointed.

“We thank the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Attorney-General for taking it seriously in protecting the integrity of our elections by setting up the tribunal and to ensure clean and fair elections in future.

“Today, we celebrate the tribunal as the victory of the people,” it said. -FMT