Bersih 2.0 wants Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to wait for the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to be implemented first.
In a statement issued today, the Bersih steering committee expressed their ‘disappointment’ with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s declaration that general elections ‘can be held anytime’ and will not be dependent on the outcome of the PSC.
“We note with disappointment the announcement made by Najib that the GE can be held anytime and will not depend on the proceedings of the PSC.
“This totally defeats the purpose and spirit of setting up the PSC as it is meant to resolve serious fraudulent practices in the electoral processes.
“The PSC would be pointless if Parliament is dissolved before the committee presents its report to Parliament,” said the Bersih statement.
Following an Umno supreme council meeting yesterday, Najib told newsmen that the next general election will not be bound by the works of the PSC.
He however added that the government would strive to implement any recommendation made by the committee before the coming election.
“We will try; there must be something that can be done immediately,” he told a news conference after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting at Menara Dato’ Onn.
Najib also said that the nine person committee will be chaired by a Minister. Of the nine, five would be from BN, three from Pakatan Rakyat and one independent lawmaker.
On Wednesday, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Aziz announced that the Cabinet had agreed to the setting up of PSC which would be responsible for strengthening the laws and regulations governing elections in the country.
In addition to that, the steering committee also proposed a total of six recommendations for the PSC.
Six recommendations
In addition to declaring their disappointment at Najib’s statement, Bersih also issued a six recommendations to be considered.
Bersih wants the PSC to be led by an opposition member to ensure genuine check and balance.
“It is vital that the PSC is duly empowered to uphold the principle of separation of powers.
“The Cabinet’s decision to appoint a cabinet minister to chair the Committee is an indication that the Cabinet fails to understand the principle of separation of powers.
The balance five recommendations are regarding the PSC’s procedures.
Bersih wants the PSC to engage experts as resource persons to ensure findings are comprehensive and ensure appropriate recommendations are put forth
Bersih also wants the PSC to practice the highest degree of transparency in exercising its duties and comply to Standing Order 85 that prohibits evidence and documents presented to the PSC to be published before the Committee presents its report to Parliament.
“Bersih 2.0 recommends that the final reports of the PSC be made publicly available for scrutiny prior to their presentation to the Cabinet and Parliament,” said the steering committee.
It also called for the PSC to conduct nationwide public hearings to collect evidence and testimonies of electoral violations and issues from civil society and the general public.
Lastly Bersih 2.0 steering committee wants the Parliament to exercise its powers under Standing Order 83(6) to allow the PSC to operate while the Parliament is in session.
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