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Why wait until Jan 1? Quit now, outgoing EC commissioners told
Published:  Oct 19, 2018 11:48 AM
Updated: 4:52 AM
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Electoral reform group Bersih has called for the immediate resignation of the Election Commission (EC) commissioners who will reportedly quit on Jan 1 next year.

In a statement today, the Bersih steering committee said the commissioners - EC deputy chairperson Othman Mahmood and four members - Mohd Yusop Mansor, Abdul Aziz Khaldin, Sulaiman Narawi and Leo Chong Cheong, should immediately end their services and not wait until Jan 1, 2019, so as not to stall reforms.

"They have avoided the tribunal's judgment on their roles and responsibilities in wrongdoing and abuse in power in the 14th general election, by resigning.

"They should not further delay the reform process in the EC and quit the commission immediately," the statement said.

Bersih added that it respects the willingness of K Bala Singam - the sole member who refused to quit, to defend himself in the tribunal, based on the "innocent until proven guilty" principle.

"Bersih welcomes the setting up of the tribunal to investigate various allegations plaguing the EC.

"Bersih urges the tribunal to continue, although Bala Singam, would be the only one being tried in its proceedings."

The group further pointed out that Bala Singam was appointed an EC member in 2016, and was involved in the redelineation process, as well as in preparations for the general election,18 months ahead of the 14th general election.

On Wednesday, Malaysiakini reported that several former Federal Court judges would be appointed to sit on the tribunal to investigate the EC on its purported misconduct in GE14.

According to the report, a high-powered team, consisting of the likes of former solicitor-general II, Yusof Zainal Abiden, who has gone into private practice, and lawyer M Puravalen, has been formed by the Attorney-General's Chambers to assist the tribunal.

A tribunal has to be formed as election commissioners, like Federal Court judges, can only be removed by a tribunal. The commissioners are appointed until their retirement at age 66.

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