Civil society groups are questioning the haste with which the government is setting up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into the Lahad Datu incursion before the general election, citing fears it will be used to mislead voters.

NONE Although stressing such an RCI is “welcomed in principle”, the groups expressed displeasure with the “suspicious manner” in which the RCI is being planned, its terms of reference (TOR) being drawn up and its commissioners selected, especially as neither the Malaysian nor Philippine authorities have concluded their investigations into the invasion.

The government’s evident haste, 45 civil societies and 111 individuals said in a joint statement yesterday, has raised suspicions that the inquiry is politically-motivated.

“We hold that the appointment of RCI is a major decision and, as Parliament will be dissolved anytime now, the current government should restrain from making this decision in the spirit of a caretaker government,” the statement says.

“Given the much anticipated 13th general election to be held soon, any partial and manipulated information from the RCI may mislead voters and therefore undermine the practice of fair and equal access to accurate information.

“Violating the principles of democracy, this may undermine the legitimacy and stability of the next government”.

NONE Instead, they suggested that an inter-state commission of inquiry be set up, between the Philippines and Malaysia.

However, this should be done only after elections in both countries have concluded. The commission should comprise reputable civil society members from both nations.

Among the groups that signed the statement are Tenaganita, Malaysians for Beng Hock, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM), Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Suaram and All Women's Action Society (Awam)

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was slated to announce the formation of the RCI yesterday, but ended up only declaring the establishment of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone).

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein later said that this did not mean the establishment of the RCI would be postponed .

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