KUALA LUMPUR: The Election Commission (EC) is qualified to take over the role of the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in managing the registration and supervision of political parties.
Political analyst Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood believes that by empowering the EC, the commission can better monitor political parties as well as make quick decisions during general elections or by-elections.
“The transfer of power from the RoS to the EC can reduce red tape or bureaucracy during elections.
“If a decision needs to be made by the EC on political parties during campaigning and voting day, they can do so immediately. There is no need to wait for the RoS.
“It would be easier if only one agency is in charge of supervising and managing political parties and elections. I feel that this idea should be carried out as soon as possible,” he told NSTP.
Nik Ahmad was referring to a recommendation by the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC) on empowering the EC to be able to register political parties.
These were among 15 recommendations that ERC is studying to improve the electoral law and system in Malaysia.
The committee’s chairman Tan Sri Ab Rashid Ab Rahman said that empowering EC to be able to register voters would enable it to be able conduct elections better and credibly.
Nik Ahmad said while he did not agree to the RoS being dissolved, the ERC should nevertheless make a clear distinction of powers between the government department and the institution.
“The division of powers between the RoS and the EC has to be very clear. The EC could take over the RoS’ duties with regards to managing political parties during elections, but other matters such as registration could remain under the RoS.
“The RoS is a government department under the Home Ministry and is seen as a part of the government while the EC is a free and independent body, enshrined in the constitution. This is the difference,” he said.
