Pakatan Rakyat is calling on BN to decide the date of the next general election in consultation with the opposition coalition, to allow the proposed parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reforms to have sufficient time to carry out its duties.

This is one of five pre-conditions laid down by Pakatan. It wants Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to guarantee these before it decides to join the proposed PSC.

pakatan pc 130911 “The date of the 13th general election should be decided based on consensus between BN and Pakatan. In other words, the dissolution of Parliament must be agreed to by both BN and Pakatan,” said PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub ( right in coat ).

He was speaking at a joint Pakatan press conference in Kuala Lumpur this morning, together with PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke and Pakatan MPs.

Salahuddin explained that such a practice is not unheard of, espcially in democratic societies.

“For example, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Britain decide the date of the next general election together and table it in Parliament. Everyone knows the date of the next general election,” he said.

The other demands are:

  • To take into consideration in the PSC, the eight demands by electoral reform group Bersih 2.0
  • To allow a comfortable time frame for the PSC on electoral reforms to carry out its responsibilites
  • To include the issue of citizenship for foreigners as a term of reference of the PSC
  • All the PSC’s recommendations must be fulfilled by the government

Salahuddin said Pakatan will submit a letter to the prime minister soon on the five demands and that it expects a reply before the next parliamentary sitting on Oct 3, when the PSC is expected to be formed.

“Whether we join the PSC or not, we state our five demands that the prime minister must guarantee. We don’t want to join the PSC without a single guarantee that would show the commitment and seriousness of the government towards electoral reform for the coming general election."

Olive branch

The Kubang Kerian MP offered an olive branch to the premier, stating that Pakatan is prepared to cooperate on electoral reforms.

However, he declined to speculate on the outcome should Najib refuse to provide guarantees.

“W azlan e have time until March 8, 2013 (when Parliament must be dissolved). If Najib is sincere and wants real reforms in the electoral system, we still have time.

There is no need to rush to dissolve Parliament... If there is a need to amend the constitution, we are prepared to cooperate in Parliament.

“Please answer, so we can decide on this (joining the PSC)."

Nurul Izzah also called for closer cooperation between the government and opposition in anticipation of the proposed PSC.

“So far we only get information from the news, there is no direct negotiation. We would like to extend our cooperation, we hope maybe (de facto Law Minister Mohamed) Nazri (Abdul Aziz) can be in direct contact with us.”

The poll reforms panel was announced by Najib on Aug 15, but the premier appeared to have backtracked four days later by stating that the next general election is not dependent on the work of the PSC.

The statement riled up the opposition coalition which has since consistently demanded the prime minister to guarantee that the recommendations of the PSC will be fully implemented before the next general election.

Related stories :

NRD scoffs at 'phantom voter' claim

Probe into Bersih 2.0 police brutality completed

Ambiga says it again: I won't contest in next GE