Ex-EC chief not included in tribunal due to early resignation, says source
Former Election Commission chairperson Hashim Abdullah was not included in the tribunal because he had resigned much earlier than the six ex-commissioners who are being probed for alleged misconduct.
“In fact, Hashim resigned soon after the election (May 9 general election),” a source familiar with the matter told Malaysiakini this afternoon.
The source adds this does not mean other agencies cannot investigate if Hashim Abdullah committed wrongdoings.
Former Election Commission chairperson Hashim Abdullah was not included in the tribunal because he had resigned much earlier than the six ex-commissioners who are being probed for alleged misconduct.
“In fact, Hashim resigned soon after the election (May 9 general election),” a source familiar with the matter told Malaysiakini this afternoon.
“When Bersih appealed to the prime minister to set up the tribunal last August, Hashim had already resigned. So he must be treated differently,” the source added.
However, the source stressed this does not mean Hashim cannot be investigated by other agencies.
“The new EC, police and MACC can look into his alleged wrongdoings and initiate criminal proceedings if there were wrongdoings on his part,” the source added.
Hashim had cut short his tenure and stepped down as the EC chief on July 1 last year, more than a month before electoral reform group Bersih urged Putrajaya to set up a tribunal to investigate the EC's alleged wrongdoings before and during GE14.
The other six continued as commissioners until Jan 1, 2019.
Five of the commissioners made the announcement on Oct 18, a day after Malaysiakini broke the news that a tribunal would be formed. The remaining commissioner made a similar announcement later.
The source was responding to DAP lawmaker Khoo Poay Tiong who urged attorney-general Tommy Thomas to ensure that the tribunal also investigates Hashim.
“Surely, as the former chairperson of the EC, he bears the most responsibility and should be the first in line to be investigated,” he said.
The Kota Melaka MP also agreed with Thomas that the tribunal is not academic since the commissioners' resignations do not absolve them of wrongdoing.
RELATED REPORTS
Bersih: Ex-EC commissioners' resignations not a ticket out of scrutiny
DAP MP wants AG to ensure ex-EC chief faces tribunal
Tribunal to probe ex-EC members is valid, political aide argues
Former EC chairman Hashim was the chief culprit and should logically be included to answer the 13 charges laid out in the tribunal. In any event, he and all other EC members should be subjected to prosecution, should evidence of criminal offence be established during the course of hearing or through other investigations.
Who in Harapan administration offered "non prosecution agreement" to Hashim if he resigned as EC chairman ? Was it CEP? AG must investigate if someone in Harapan had abused his power by offering him a non prosecution deal.