Ex Mp Backs Call For Parliamentary Committee To Vet Next Ec Chief

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A former MP has echoed calls for the next Election Commission (EC) chairperson's name to be submitted to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform before being put to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consideration.
Ong Kian Ming said this is because the EC chief's position will impact institutional and electoral reforms for decades to come.
"This person will have to oversee the delimitation of constituencies as per Article 113 (2) and Schedule 13 of the Federal Constitution where the number of Parliament and state seats should be increased.
“This is to reduce the gross malapportionment resulting in the non-increase in the number of seats in the last two delimitation exercises, due to the governing coalition lacking a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
"This delimitation exercise will shape electoral politics in Malaysia for the next decade if not more as it will influence the balance of power within and between the different states in Malaysia.
"The new EC chairperson will also have the responsibility of putting in place more processes and policies that should even the electoral playing field, regardless of who is the government of the day," the former DAP MP for Bangi said in a statement today.
The position of EC chairperson fell vacant on May 9 when Abdul Ghani Salleh retired upon reaching 66 years of age.
Don't bypass Parliament
Moving forward, Ong (above) said the incoming EC chief should be well-respected for his or her independence, be well-versed in election laws and delimitation of constituencies, and enjoy public confidence as per Article 114 (2) of the Federal Constitution.
Deputy EC chairperson Azmi SharomSome suitable candidates would be current deputy EC chairperson Azmi Sharom, current EC member Mohd Faisal Hazis, former Bersih chief Amiga Sreenevasan, and academic Wong Chin Huat, said Ong, who is also the former deputy international trade and industry minister.
He stressed that suitable names should be proposed to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform, which will vet the candidates and propose either one or a limited number of names to the King for consideration.
"This is in line with Pakatan Harapan’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the Parliament institution.
"If Parliament is bypassed and the recommendation comes solely at the prime minister’s discretion, this would be a lost opportunity for the Madani government to showcase its reformist credentials," said Ong.
Last week, election watchdog Bersih accused Harapan and BN of breaking their promises twice since the general election for appointing two key EC members, Sapdin Ibrahim and Lee Bee Phang, without an open and transparent process.
Similar concerns were raised by Tindak Malaysia, which called for constitutional amendments concerning appointments of the EC chairperson and commissioners to inspire public confidence. - Mkini

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