The Association of Former Police Personnel today proposed tighter regulations to bar ex-convicts from contesting in election for state or parliamentary seats.

According to the association’s Dang Wangi chapter chief, Abdul Mohamed Md Gani, those fined RM1,000 or more or jailed for at least one week, or both, for any crime cannot stand for election.

Abdul Mohamed had addressed the parliamentary select committee on electoral reform during its first public hearing today.

“It is good for the rakyat if candidates are not convicts or ex-convicts," he said, adding that no individual should contest for a state and parliament seat at the same time.

At present, elected representatives are disqualified for their post if they are sentenced to at least six months’ jail or fined more than RM2,000 for any crime.  

The association also called for two months allowance to be docked if elected representatives do not attend at least 60 percent of assembly sittings.

“This is to avoid truancy among elected representatives, which at times result in sittings being called off because the quorum is not met.

“If this is not implemented, the rakyat will suffer losses in public funds as elected representatives receive pensions after just one term of service while other civil servants have to serve at least 25 years,” he said.

The association also called for all candidates to undergo health checks and declare their personal wealth and that of their family members to the Election Commission before contesting.

It also suggested that no elected representative be allowed to hold another job or be involved in business.

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