Everyone can be GE13 observers

Malaysians should all be 'election observers' as it is considered a responsibility as a citizen of the country, said the Coalition of 13th General Election Observers (PEMERHATI) today.

PEMERHATI is made up of four NGOs-- Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS), Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), Malaysia Confederation of the Disabled (MCD), Merdeka Center for Opinion Research (Merdeka Center)-- appointed by the Election Commission to monitor GE13.

"Even if you are unable to be an official voluntary observer with us, everyone should still learn about the process and in fact, every Malaysian should be an observer," said PEMERHATI officer Amin Ahmad, who is responsible for recruitment and training.

Amin said anyone from the public can channel reports and photographs as evidence to PEMERHATI during GE 13.

"People can also be an observer and send reports of any wrongdoings to us online, we will determine the validity of these allegations then," he said.

At the same time, Amin called on the public to join PEMERHATI to be an official volunteer.

"We observe both the long and short term periods. The period before polling day, from dissolution until polling day, and on the polling day itself, which is the short term, "said Amin.

Currently, PEMERHATI have begun training and colleting data. They still hope to recruit more volunteers.

"We have gone to places like Kelantan, Terengganu, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and so far there are 150 people who have joined us," he said.

Amin said this amount was not enough to achieve the target to observe at least 42 parliamentary seats, with a primary goal of observing 70 seats.

He said the estimated costs of more than RM1 million requires the support from the private sector. So far, they have been able to collect RM50, 000 to RM80, 000 themselves.

Among the main areas to observe, Amin said, included ensuring that "ensuring public institutions can work independently."

Citing an example, Amin said: "after the dissolution of the government no longer exists, so there is no Prime Minister, no Chief Minister. Therefore, we do not want public facilities such as community halls and the vehicles used during the campaign.

"Our observations are also based on the Election Offences Act 1954 which includes look out for incidents of fraud, false ballot papers or nomination papers, impersonation of voters, corruption, intimidation, and so on," he said.

Other than that, volunteer observers will also note any oversights by the EC, police behavior and the campaign by all political parties.

Amin said EC will be asked to response to all issues so as to achieve a "fair, indepedent, smooth and well run election"

Volunteer observers, he said, must also vote. This, he said, is "even more compulsory" than observing itself.

On allegations that PEMERHATI may not neutral, Amin said all opinions, whether "pro or contra" are accepted. "That's why we welcome everyone to join us and discuss, " he said.