Politicians, analysts want EC to reconsider new proposals

Politicians and political analysts is urging the Election Commission (EC) to reconsider their proposal of introducing a shorter polling process and a three-day cooling-off period.

They are also calling for the EC to gather opinions from various groups in order to be fair to stakeholders such as political parties and voters.

PAS vice-president Salahudin Ayub says he does not want the EC to rush the implementation process but would rather prefer it to get feedback from all political parties.

"The EC should not rush because they need to take into account the views of all political parties. They need to consider certain circumstances and situations, such as polling area, especially those who live in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak," Salahudin said when contacted by Astro AWANI.

When asked about the cooling-off period, he felt it was unfair to compare to Indonesia who has implemented the system.

"In Indonesia, the government and the opposition parties are given enough airtime in the mainstream media. As the opposition here, we have limited campaigning time. We are also not allowed to use the mass media. This proposal is unfair," he said.

Setiawangsa MP from Barisan Nasional, Datuk Ahmad Fauzi Zahari also disagreed to the proposals. He said various situation such as the weather should be taken into consideration before its implementation.

"Take the weather for example. It's beyond our control. If it rains at 12 noon, they then have a limited to go out and vote. Maintain the 5pm deadline. Voters do not need to rush. Do not stop their right to vote in the evening," said Ahmad Fauzi.

He however, agreed to the cooling-off period, but wanted it to be limited to one to two days to help reduce any tension.

Ahmad Fauzi then proposed for the nomination day to be taken out.

"The nomination day creates unnecessary tension. Just let the candidates register themselves and allow them to start their campaign, just like the UMNO elections. There should not be a specific day like the nomination day," Ahmad Fauzi said.

Political analyst James Chin had a different opinion altogether as he disagreed to both proposals.

"It is stupid. We know about the Malaysian culture and that we often do things at the last minute. It will limit to those who come late. Extend the polling hour to 6pm for those who want to vote late or for those who change their mind at the last minute.

"After all, the general election is held once every five years. Then are voters not allowed to vote just because they come late," asked James Chin.

He also does not agree with the proposed cooling-off period because it would not make any difference, but give an added advantage to Barisan Nasional.

"It is not good for democracy," he added.

Political analyst Sivamurugan Pandian agreed with the proposal if only it could improve the voting system of voting.

However, he would prefer if the EC gather some feedback before its implementation.

"This is to avoid any criticism when it is implemented. EC should discuss with political parties, lawmakers, and the public. Obtain their views before it is implemented," he said.

He also agreed with the proposed cooling-off period so that voters would have a clearer mind before voting.

On Wednesday, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the commission was prepared to carry out a review of the system and consider the possibility of introducing new regulations if they could really help in making the election system in the country more effective.

"The two new regulations can be made without amendments (of election-related articles) as stipulated in the Federal Constitution," he said