Bersih wants thorough polls reform, panel recommendations made public
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal and Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider
Bersih 2.0 has welcomed the Najib administration’s move to form a parliamentary select committee to examine the current electoral system, but stated that the panel’s final recommendations should be made available to the public.
Bersih chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan stressed the election watchdog’s eight demands for electoral reform should be taken into account, and that NGOs as well the public should be involved in the entire process.
“Yes, we certainly welcome this move. It is without doubt a step in the right direction and is a positive response to the aspirations of the rakyat.
“We hope NGOs will be involved in the process and that our eight demands will receive attention before the 13th general election,” said Ambiga in a text message to The Malaysian Insider.
“We are ready to assist,” said the former Bar Council chairman.
Bersih steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah said the select committee’s final recommendations should include feedback and views from the public.
Maria told The Malaysian Insider last night the government should poll views of Malaysians in the country before deciding on the said recommendations into the current electoral system.
“Bersih welcomes the parliamentary select committee but we want full transparency in the process.
“There should be public consultation, and it should be included in the final recommendations. The finalised report of the select committee should also be made available to the public,” she said.
Maria said Bersih will give the parliamentary panel three months to “meet, discuss, and finalise” its report on electoral reform recommendations.
