The watchdog that needs a watchdog
It was with a heavy heart that I read THIS REPORT in The Malaysian Insider about how the Election Commission (EC) has dropped the local election watchdog, Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel), as official election monitors in the Hulu Selangor by-election. The reason – it has not sent reports for the previous nine by-elections since Election 2008.
As we all know, the Elections Commission recognizes Mafrel as the only election watchdog. Two days ago, Selangor Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar slammed them as “mouthpieces of the opposition” two days ago for saying the coalition broke election rules ahead of the April 25 vote.
With this development, it is likely that Mafrel could lose EC accreditation but it can still operate as election watchdog for the Hulu Selangor by-election when campaigning starts after nomination on April 17 .
I do not want to sound dogmatic but I firmly believe that any organization must have its books in order be it reports or accounts or documentation. It is one thing to be all fired up for a cause but one must always abide by official expectations.
This development is most disappointing for many Malaysians because MAFREL, which was appointed by the Elections Commission in 2009, is the only watchdog that monitors and reports on everything related to the conduct of elections.
It is with dismay that I read about Wan Ahmad’s statement that they had given reminders after reminders to Mafrel to send in their reports but after nine by-elections starting from Permatang Pauh, not even one has been received.
