BN backbencher: No need for opposition to lead PSC

Following a suggestion that the coming parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform should be led by an opposition MP, an outspoken BN backbencher has argued that it is not necessary.

In his blog posting published today, Umno MP for Kota Belud Abdul Rahman Dahlan (right) said the perception that a select committee led by the opposition is more effective does not arise at all.

“All members in the committee can speak, suggest and question witnesses as much as they like.

“Moreover, with the attention from the public and media which will definitely monitor the meeting of committee closely, there will be no space for anyone to manipulate it. If there is any manipulation, the people will punish the party,” he said.

Therefore, he was of the view that the quorum and composition of the current Dewan Rakyat should be maintained in any parliamentary select committee.

In a response to the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s announcement on the committee last night, DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang had earlier today urged that the committee should be chaired by an opposition MP.

Pakatan Rakyat welcomed the announcement but want Najib to guarantee that the general election will not be called until after the committee has finished its work and the reforms it proposes are in place.

Earlier, they had demanded that the premier call an emergency parliamentary sitting to discuss the allegation that permanent residents were given voting rights.

Welcoming Najib’s decision, Abdul Rahman commented that it is  better than convening an emergency parliamentary sitting as the committee would not be distracted by political rhetoric and it would have a longer meeting time as well as the power to summon witnesses.

‘Prepare by shortlisting candidates’

Although the committee can only be formed in the next parliament sitting starting Oct 3, Abdul Rahman, who is Umno youth secretary-general, said political parties can prepare themselves during this two-month interval, shortlist their candidates to join the committee and study the relevant issues.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz (right) ruled out the proposal for a special sitting today, describing it is unnecessary.

Gerakan President Koh Tsu Koon, meanwhile, pointed out that the committee is the most appropriate and transparent manner to address the various issues and concerns raised.

"This is indeed politically and legally correct. It was a positive response to public concern, in line with ‘People First’ and Gerakan’s principle and stand,” said Koh in a statement today.

"This committee should ask the Election Commission to make presentations and explanations. It should also hold public hearings in various regions, to allow the people to present their views and suggestions," he added.

The Minister in the PM's Department had earlier called for a parliamentary select committee for electoral reform at the Gerakan Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory state delegates conference on Aug 7 August before raising it in a cabinet meeting.

"Gerakan is glad that our view has been accepted."

Koh had also openly expressed support for Malaysians residing overseas to be able to exercise their voting rights.

"But we need to sort out the logical, legal and technical aspects. For example, do we advocate postal votes for those overseas, but do not allow postal voting within the country? These need to be deliberated carefully to be fair to all," he said.

MIC president G Palanivel (left) also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “bold move”.

The newly-appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the move would further strengthen democracy and bring improvement in the perception of voters.

He was also happy to hear the premier’s statement to review the censorship laws on media.

“It is timely because in a globalised situation censorship will only create more problems. The people have access to various information mediums. They can judge for themselves,” he said in a statement.

Gerakan Youth, meanwhile, welcomed Najib's announcement, claiming that it showed the government's sincerity and determination to reform the election system.

In a statement, the wing’s secretary-general Dominic Lau said Najib's statement yesterday also showed that the opposition was wrong in their stand that the government ignores the demand for a clean and fair election from the people.
 
“The government is willing to thoroughly review and reform the electoral system which is a timely step in seeking consensus from both the government and opposition on the electoral system in order to maintain a democratic and clean election. "Hence, the government is willing to make any reform to meet up with the changes of the era.”
 
He urged the opposition to give their full cooperation and utilise this platform to address their requests or suggestions on electoral reform.

“The government should also be transparent and be fair by informing the public of any changes on the electoral reform to meet the spirit of ‘Rakyat Didahulukan’,” he added.