THE appointments of new Election Commission (EC) personnel marks a fresh start in the country’s electoral reform process, which lawmakers and civil society have promised to watch closely.

Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah, the former chairman of electoral reform coalition Bersih 2.0, welcomed the appointments that included, for the first time, academics and a civil society activist.

With high expectations surrounding the new commissioners, she said it would mean that “all eyes and ears” would be on them to perform their jobs dutifully.

“Congratulations to all those that were chosen. This is a good start and I can’t wait to see what is in store. I believe they can bring electoral reform to make the electoral process a fair one,” she told The Malaysian Insight earlier today.

Universiti Malaya law professor Dr Azmi Sharom, an outspoken academic and constitutional law expert, was earlier today named EC deputy chairman.

The other commissioners appointed were Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia associate prof Dr Faisal Hazis, former Bersih 2.0 electoral watchdog resource officer Zoe Randhawa, former foreign ministry secretary-general Ramlan Ibrahim and former human resources ministry secretary-general Chin Phaik Yoong.

Their appointments will fill the vacuum left by six previous EC members, who resigned last year following Putrajaya’s announcement of the setting up of a tribunal on October 17 to seek their removal over allegations of wrongdoing during the 14th general election.

Former lawyer Azhar Azizan Harun heads the EC.

Maria said that the new commissioners were individuals known for having high principles of governance and human rights. 

“I’m sure they will take bold steps to maintain the basis of ‘one person, one vote and one value’,” she said. 

However, she added that the appointments does not mean that the EC will be free from criticism from Pakatan Harapan supporters if it fails to carry out its duties.

“If they make any mistakes, not only non-governmental bodies, but I myself will criticise them.”

Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) director Cynthia Gabriel said the anti-graft watchdog would also monitor the EC’s performance.

“They are civil society experts who are brave and have a vision. Now, their challenge must be bringing true reform to the EC,” she said. 

“They know the problems that were going on in the EC and now, we will monitor them.”

Political analyst and election reform advocate Dr Wong Chin Huat of Penang Institute said the appointments of academics had been a long time coming.

“This is the first time in six decades (that academics are appointed to the EC),” he said.

Azmi had told The Malaysian Insight that he would have to resign from his post at UM but declined to comment further on his appointment.

“Yes, I will retire early and step down from all my positions,” he said. 

His resignation from UM is in line with Article 114 of federal constitution, which states that an EC personnel cannot hold other jobs or positions outside the commission. 

Faisal said he was also resigning from UKM. 

“I am in the process of resigning. I was just informed of this today and the announcement was made today,” he said, adding that he was surprised by the appointment but excited to start a new role in serving the country.

“I am surprised but I think this is because my work has centred around elections. I am happy and I cannot wait to start my new role.” 

Randhawa, meanwhile, said she has not held any position in Bersih since last year.

“I stopped working for Bersih from last year, so I don’t need to step down. I will make a statement in a few days or in a week,” she said. – February 14, 2019.