The Dewan Rakyat today passed a motion to set up a parliamentary select committee (PSC) to look into electoral reform without any objections.

The motion tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz received resounding support although there were calls from the Opposition bench for the government to hold off the next general election (GE) until the committee completes its task in six months.

"We do not deny it is the prime minister's prerogative when to call an election. But is this a right that cannot be changed," asked to Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) when debating the motion.

Mohamed Nazri when winding up debate said: "PRU-13 (the upcoming 13th general election) will not be the last GE for Malaysia and after that the world ends.

"If a snap election is called, the PSC's recommendations can be implemented in the 14th, 15th, 16th and GEs thereafter."

To opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's (PKR-Permatang Pauh) question on the use of indelible ink, Mohamed Nazri said the PSC would deliberate on whether it should be introduced for the next GE.

He said this was because it was the constitutional right of a voter to vote and some may not agree to being marked with indelible ink.

He also said that six months was enough time for the PSC to come up with its recommendations to improve the electoral system in the country and that the setting up of the PSC showed the government's committment in the matter.

The PSC will be made up of nine MPs, five from the Barisan Nasional (including a minister who will act as the chairman), three MPs from the opposition and an Independent MP.

- Bernama

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