THE Election Commission’s (EC) recent appointment of a new member without any parliamentary review reflects poorly on the government’s promise of reform, said polls watchdog Bersih.

Bersih said the EC had welcomed its newest member, Sapdin Ibrahim, who began his duties on Monday, through a post on its Facebook page.

He said the ruling parties had promised that key appointments would be reviewed through the special parliamentary committee.

“This latest development is very disappointing and shows that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government are not serious about reforming the Election Commission.

“Both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional are the largest components of the current government, but both coalitions are not respecting the manifesto they themselves drafted.

“…thereby reinforcing the perception that the Madani government is not serious about efforts to reform institutions and bring a more progressive and inclusive political culture,” Bersih said in a statement.

Bersih said the reforms on key appointments were promised in both the election manifestos of PH and BN.

It said the government must make amends by immediately announcing that the next appointment of the EC chairman will be made after going through a parliamentary standing committee on electoral affairs.

It added that the standing committee should comprise bipartisan MPs and set clear processes and criteria for appointing a new Election Commission chairman. 

“If this is not implemented, the government and the prime minister can no longer use the word reform, which so far has been nothing more than lip service. 

“The public will continue to question the extent of the commitment to the reform that has been touted,” said Bersih. – May 8, 2024.