— Gomen Man
The Malaysian Insider
Aug 19, 2011
AUG 19 — I would love to believe that the government is sincere about electoral reform but judging by all the statements of BN politicians, I have major doubts.
I was pleasantly surprised when I read a few days ago that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had agreed to set up a select committee on electoral reform. Finally, I thought, some common sense was creeping into his thinking and he understood the aspirations of the people who marched on July 9 and the many who were with the Bersih crowd in spirit.
But within a few days all that has unravelled, and now I am unsure if the administration’s intentions to set up select committee are pure. Even Najib seems to have backtracked, agreeing with his deputy that the election system only needs tweaking (I got to ask if Najib or Muhyiddin Yassin is setting agenda for Malaysia).
To make matters worse, he says that he set up of the select committee to satisfy opposition claims. This is very strange comment because it calls into question whether Najib really wants a clean and transparent election system.
I don’t think he does and I think that his announcement on the select committee was just an appeasement to buy his administration some time, to stall until the next elections. Najib knows that his image at home and abroad is quite bad following the crackdown on Bersih and he wants to reclaim his spot as a reformer.
That is why he made announcement on select committee. Judging by comments of Nazri Aziz and other Umno leaders, they too have very little liking for a transparent and clean electoral roll. They are going to stuff the committee with five BN stooges and one “independent” lackey and it will be headed by a minister.
I am sorry to say that there is not one MINISTER who has the integrity to lead any committee on electoral panel. These guys live beyond their means and want to be able to enjoy the poisonous fruits for a long time more. Are they going to do anything to change this corrupt system which has put them in power?
These ministers know about Project M and awarding ICs to illegal immigrants and some of them have been beneficiaries. Are they going to change the system? This select committee is going to be as toothless as the PAC led by Azmi Khalid.
My suggestion to Pakatan Rakyat is set up an independent panel with eminent Malaysians including Ambiga Sreenevasan and some respected international figures. Carry out the process, come up with workable suggestions for the coming elections and take your proposals directly to the people through a road show.
If my doubts prove true, the select committee will be caught in red tape and no meaningful recommendation will be on the table for the next elections.
Messrs Najib and Co have no intention of cleaning up a system which has put them there.