ELECTORAL reform group Tindak Malaysia urged the government today amend the Federal Constitution to allow reforms in the appointment of Election Commission (EC) officials.

Tindak Malaysia director Danesh Prakash Chacko said amendments are timely as the EC is due to receive a new chairman.

“As elections give legitimacy to federal and state governments, we call upon the current government to demonstrate its reform commitment by consulting the Parliamentary Special Select Committee and preparing for wider constitutional amendments on elections,” he said in a statement today.

EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh ends his tenure today.

“The major question is who will be the successor to the post,” said Danesh.

Earlier this month, the EC announced the membership appointment of Sapdin Ibrahim, following that of Lee Bee Phang last year.

The two appointments cast important questions on the government’s stance on electoral and institutional reforms, said Danesh.

“Tindak Malaysia was informed that the recent appointment of Sapdin did not go through any consultation (with) the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform.

“These recent appointments should spur calls for constitutional amendments to ensure (an EC) composition… that truly inspires public confidence,” he added.

Under the present system, the EC chair, deputy chair, and five commissioners are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

The constitution states that the composition of EC members must enjoy public confidence.

Tindak Malaysia and reform groups such as Bersih, argue that it is possible for the government to discuss potential EC candidates via the Parliamentary Special Select Committee and present the name(s) to Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Tindak Malaysia said the government must amend article 114 of the Federal Constitution to allow the opposition leader to have a say in the process.

“Members of the EC shall be drawn from diverse sectors and professions and should have demonstrated knowledge or interest in electoral matters. At least one member each shall come from Sabah and Sarawak,” Danesh said.

“Instead of using the current wording ‘enjoys public confidence’, emphasis on securing an independent EC should be included.”

Tindak Malaysia has submitted its proposals to the Institutional Reforms Committee (in 2018), Electoral Reform Committee (2019), EC (2023), and Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election, and Institutional Reform (2023).

He said it was important to have an independent EC ahead of delineation exercises and an expanded postal voting base. – May 9, 2024.