A DAP lawmaker is surprised that former Election Commission (EC) chairperson Hashim Abdullah will not have to face the tribunal formed to investigate the alleged misconduct of ex-commissioners.

"Surely, as the former chairperson of the EC, he bears the most responsibility and should be the first in line to be investigated.

"I, therefore, urge the attorney-general to take the necessary steps to include him into the tribunal," said Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong in a statement today.

He also agreed with Thomas that the tribunal is not academic, even though the EC commissioners in question have resigned from their posts.

Khoo said this is because their resignations do not absolve them from wrongdoings.

"There must be accountability for the various misconduct and irregularities in our electoral system and processes.

"The former EC (commissioners) must face the tribunal so that these issues can be thoroughly investigated and they must be held liable if found to be responsible for these failures," he added.

Khoo said the tribunal is also important because the investigation process and its eventual findings would be essential for future electoral reform.

According to him, the tribunal is the best platform to investigate and identify structural weaknesses in the electoral system.

He said various parties, such as Parliament and the Electoral Reform Committee, could also use the tribunal's findings to recommend and legislate changes to the electoral system.

"The tribunal is a historic milestone in the reform process. It is the first of its kind to be set up in Malaysia, owing to the years of serious misconduct and manipulation in the electoral process.

"It signals the commitment of the new government to ensure full accountability and reform in our electoral system," he added.