The Election Commission (EC) has to ensure that the electoral roll is free from flaws before implementing the biometric system - if the EC wants to restore public trust in it, the Association for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) says.

The NGO, formed by former commissioners of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), met with the election commissioners led by EC chief Abdul Aziz Yusof at the EC headquarters in Putrajaya today.

NONE A report compiled from the discussion session between the EC and Bersih 2.0 on July 29 was submitted to the EC by Proham members Ramon Navaratnam, Denison Jayasooria, Hamdan Adnan and Siva Subramaniam.

"Proham recognises that there is public concern with the current electoral roll and there is an urgent need to restore public trust.

"Therefore, even before a new biometric system is introduced, the issues pertaining to the current electoral roll must be addressed," Proham said in a statement issued to the media at a press conference after the meeting.

Proham also stressed on an urgent need for greater public engagement and transparency in the implementation of the biometric system.

Other recommendations made by Proham:

  • Automatic voter registration be implemented through an amendment (to the election law) or with a provision that upon attaining the age of 21, one is deemed to have registered as a voter.
  • The EC has to rectify legal limitations that disenfranchise Malaysians living abroad and make new legal provisions to empower all Malaysian citizens, including East Malaysians residing in the peninsula, to exercise their voting rights.
  • A longer campaign period, within the current provision of 21 days, is needed so as to enable the effective implementation of the postal voting system, if accessible to a wider voter coverage.
  • Proham has observed that the EC does not fully appreciate the constitutional provisions safeguarding its independence, and is also over-dependent on the Attorney-General's Chambers in drafting election laws.
Proham therefore called on the EC to be more proactive in legislative reform and to exercise its constitutional independence.

ramon navaratnam interview 071108 04 It also called on the federal government to review the selection process in the appointment of EC commissioners to provide for the appointment of commissioners from private sector and civil society, instead of the current practice of appointing only civil servants or civil service retirees.

During the press conference, Ramon ( left ) appealed to the federal government to give higher priority to the EC in terms of allocation of funds and manpower.

He said the EC lacked resources in drafting legal provisions, facilitating enforcement, carrying out effective public relationship approaches to address misconceptions and strengthening public education.

The former Transparency International Malaysia chapter chairperson also called on all quarters to drop their hostile attitude towards the EC as it "is open minded and honest" in accepting suggestions and criticism.

"I believe they have ways to improve the electoral system... let's wait and see. I know they don't want to announce something that has not been finalised," Ramon said.

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