United Nations (UN) in Malaysia hopes the government and the Election Commission (EC) will use its ground breaking report to enhance Malaysia's electoral reform efforts before the 13th general election.

NONE UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia Kamal Malhotra ( left ) said the report, which was issued last month, presents a strategy to increase the likelihood that incumbent politicians and governments would deepen democracy and improve the integrity of national elections.

Kamal said UN had long established a reputation for being globally the most experienced neutral and credible organisation on such issues worldwide.

"Indeed, since 1991, we have provided electoral assistance to more than 100 UN member states and four territories, including Mexico, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya," he said in his speech at the UN Malaysia Award 2012 here, today.

Applauding the EC for their recent decision to implement 26 out of the 32 recommendations made by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on electoral reform, he said the UN was prepared to share its vast experience and technical expertise in the area.

NONE Kamal also said that the UN commends and supports Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak ( right ) in continuing on a path of law reform through the Political Transformation Programme which was consonant with international human rights norms and standards.

"We know that the government and people of Malaysia are committed to nation building and democratic consolidation," he said.

Earlier, the Malaysian Bar Council was conferred with the UN Malaysia Award 2012 for its role in promoting democracy and human rights.

The UN Person of the Year Award was also posthumously awarded to the late Prof Khoo Kay Jin in recognition of his lifetime of outstanding achievement.

- Bernama