The Coalition for Clean and Fair elections (Bersih 2.0) is still not allowed to give recommendations to the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform.

biomalaysia 2008 071008 maximus ongkili Speaking after PSC's inaugural meeting today, chairperson Maximus Ongkili (right) reiterated that this was because the coalition is not a “legally registered entity”.

However, he said, individuals from Bersih 2.0 could apply to take part - in their personal capacities - at the series of public hearings that will kick off in Kuala Lumpur.

In deciding this, the committee upheld Ongkili's previously unilateral decision to bar Bersih 2.0 , which had drawn the ire of other members.

Bersih 2.0 chief Ambiga Sreenevasan has already said she will attend the hearing as coalition leader, regardless of whether or not the committee acknowledges her as such.

NONE Ongkili said those interested in taking part in the hearings could email their memoranda to jkparlimen@gov.my from tomorrow, after which a schedule will be worked out.

The committee has also decided that its terms of reference will cover a review of election laws, the electoral process and improvements to the electoral roll.  

It will also look into strengthening the Election Commission.

“The fifth term of reference is to review alternative systems to what we practise now,” said Ongkili, who is technology, science and innovation minister.

The first of the hearings will be held in the Parliament building on Nov 11 and 12.

This will be followed hearings in Kota Kinabalu (Nov 25 and 26); Kuching (Dec 8 and 9); Penang (Dec 15 and 16); Kota Baru (Jan 7 and 8); and Johor Baru (Jan 12 and 13).

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