Aliran Media Statement

Aliran to Election Commission Chairman:
Convince us of your Independence

It is absurd for Election Commission Chairman Omar Mohd Hashim to state that the commission's independence should not be questioned as it has shown its impartiality at all times (The Star, 18 August 1999).

Claiming to be independent is one thing, but convincing the people through its conduct that it is independent and credible is a different kettle of fish. Credibility must be earned by deeds rather than through public pronouncements.

It will take more than words to convince thinking Malaysians that the commission is a credible institution capable of ensuring free and fair elections.

Numerous irregularities and abuses have been brought to the attention of the commission but its ability to tackle them has left much to be desired and has raised questions as to its credibility.

If Omar takes the position that these are past mistakes for which he is not accountable but, now that he is in charge, he would like to project the commission as an independent body that would ensure free and fair elections, Aliran would welcome that.

But he would have to take some convincing actions first.

• To begin with, as a matter of principle, Omar should publicly declare that the campaign period would be adequate and fair to all contesting parties. Aliran would like to recommend at least three weeks for this purpose.
  
  Omar must give credibility to his claim that the commission decides on the length of the campaign period without anybody interfering in its decision by immediately announcing as a matter of policy that the campaign period would be three weeks.
  
  This policy statement can be made tomorrow. There is no need to wait for parliament to be dissolved to announce this. And it is within his right to make such a statement.

• As regards postal votes for armed forces and police personnel, according to Omar, ballot papers are handed over to the adjutants or administration officers. It is most alarming to read Omar's comment, "What happens after that is beyond our control. The officers and their wives mark and place the sealed ballot papers in the box."
  
  This is indeed shocking. What happens is not only beyond the commission's control but it is also not within its knowledge whether the officers and their wives actually mark and place the sealed ballot papers in the box personally. It is just an assumption on Omar's part since there are no election commission officials or party election agents physically present to witness and verify this claim.
  
  It is Aliran's contention that election commission officials should supervise the casting of postal votes in the presence of election agents from the various political parties.
  
  It is also our view that police and armed forces personnel whose stations, camps or depots are located within the constituency under which they were originally registered should not be allowed to use the postal ballot system.
  
  It is also our recommendation that the postal ballot of a police or armed forces personnel should be sent to the constituency in which he or she is registered as a voter to be counted as a vote cast in that constituency.
  
  Omar should make a public pledge now to assure caring Malaysians that the elections involving armed forces and police personnel will be free and fair. He needn't wait for parliament to be dissolved to make this announcement.

• To further enhance his credibility, it should be possible, even desirable, for Omar to release a guide-line for a caretaker government - spelling out what it can and should not do - to ensure free and fair elections.
  
  Again, this notification can be released immediately without having to wait for parliament to be dissolved.

• TV and Radio, especially publicly funded RTM, are not party apparatus for the ruling party's sole use. Public funds are used for their operations. It is only proper that the public should have access to all political views to exercise their choice intelligently. As such, air time should be fairly distributed.
  
  The commission should ensure that this access to fair media time is available to all political parties so that, when we talk of free and fair election, it would be a meaningful exercise.
  
  Again, this announcement can be made without having to wait for the dissolution of parliament.

These are four crucial areas concerning which Omar can make pronouncements now. He need not wait for parliament to be dissolved to embark on this action. By responding positively to this call, he would assert the integrity of the commission, establish his own credibility, and prove that he is not beholden to anyone.

P Ramakrishnan
President
19 August 1999