Group voices concern following EC appointments

Tindak Malaysia has called for constitutional amendments concerning appointments of the chairperson and commissioners to the Election Commission (EC), to inspire public confidence.

This comes after the government appointed two key members to the commission without any consultation with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform.

“As elections are an essential foundation of any given representative democracy, a robust, dynamic, and independent EC is critical for the governance of Malaysia.

“Today is the last day of the current EC chairperson Abdul Ghani Salleh’s tenure. With the recent appointment of Sapdin Ibrahim to fill the last vacant position of commissioners, the major question is who will succeed Ghani as chairperson.

“The recent appointments of Sapdin and Lee Bee Phang cast important questions on the government’s stance on electoral and institutional reforms,” the electoral reform group’s director Danesh Prakash Chackho said in a statement today.

Amendments to Constitution necessary

Yesterday Bersih voiced similar concerns on the matter, questioning why the two key appointments were made without an open and transparent process.

Elaborating, Danesh said the recent appointments called for amendments to Article 114 of the Federal Constitution, which pertains to the appointment of an EC that enjoys public confidence.

Firstly, the composition of the EC, including its chairperson, deputy, and commissioner, should also receive concurrence from the opposition leader, Danesh said.

“Members of the EC shall be drawn from diverse sectors and professions and should have demonstrated knowledge or interest in electoral matters. At least one member each shall come from Sabah and Sarawak.

“Instead of wordings - ‘enjoys public confidence’, emphasis on securing an independent EC shall be included,” said Danesh.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall arrange for public hearings before a judge of the Federal Court nominated by the chief justice of Malaysia on the suitability of the proposed members to be appointed and the findings shall be presented for consideration by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he added.

‘Don’t squander opportunity’

Danesh said Tindak Malaysia had submitted comprehensive proposals for revamping the appointment process for EC members via various committees from 2018 to 2023.

It is crucial for the EC to be helmed by a robust and dynamic leadership, in view of the potential redelineation exercises, expanded postal voting base, and the needful competence of polling staff, he emphasised.

“It is imperative that the incumbent government inspire public confidence about its willingness to implement electoral reforms. In the longer term, constitutional amendments will be needed to secure the EC’s independence.

“As elections give legitimacy to federal and state governments, we call upon the government to demonstrate its reform commitment by consulting the existing Parliamentary Special Select Committee and preparing for wider constitutional amendments on elections.

“Time is short and should not be squandered for this golden opportunity,” he said. - Mkini