KUALA LUMPUR – DAP lawmaker Khoo Poay Tiong (Kota Melaka-PH) has criticised the appointment of the new Election Commission (EC) chairman, noting it was made without consulting the Dewan Rakyat Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reforms.
In his debate on Suhakam’s annual report in Dewan Rakyat today, Khoo said consulting the PSSC could have helped the government make a more balanced decision on the appointment.
“To me, the cornerstone of defending human rights lies in free and fair general elections. We must ensure the electoral process remains transparent in selecting people’s representatives.
“In this regard, I urge the government to consult the PSSC when appointing a chairman or members of the EC. This institution provides valuable research, reviews, and recommendations for selecting suitable candidates for these roles,” he said.
Khoo also expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) made the decision without consulting the PSSC, which contradicts his objective of “reformasi” (reform).
“I saw yesterday’s announcement on the appointment of the new EC chairman. It was done without discussion with the special committee.
“I am disappointed. As a government committed to reform, we believe decisions should involve the committee.
“We do not seek to interfere with the prime minister’s authority, but rather to assist in appointing a suitable candidate who will aid us in reforming our country’s electoral system,” he added.
Yesterday, it was announced that Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, former Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general, has been appointed as the new EC chairman in line with Article 114(1) of the Federal Constitution.
In a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had consented to the appointment.
Ramlan replaced Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh, who retired on May 9. Abdul Ghani led the commission for four years.
The 60-year-old has served in the public service for 28 years, working across several ministries and departments. – June 27, 2024