KUALA LUMPUR: A special committee was formed to review the findings of a study conducted by the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC) which was concluded in August, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the committee, led by International Trade and Industry Senior Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, is in the process of studying the report before it will be released for public feedback.
"On behalf of the government, I believe the report will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat and could be debated here, if necessary," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-DAP-Kota Melaka).
Takiyuddin said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin received the report on Aug 27, which lists 49 recommendations for the electoral system, process and laws.
He said the government is committed to executing electoral reforms to move with the times, and the report not only proposes changes to the electoral process, but also aspects of government administration involving various agencies.
"The government is still studying the recommendations by the committee and this will take time, as we need to get feedback from relevant stakeholders like the Election Committee.
"The government has to be cautious and realistic in implementing the improvements so they bring added value to the people."
He said an action plan is being implemented in phases, including the suggestion to establish a body to coordinate and monitor actions taken by respective agencies on the recommendations made.
It was reported that the ERC has drawn up 49 recommendations for the government's consideration based on input from engagements with stakeholders which comprise civil society, political parties, election management bodies, government agencies and the public.
The committee, in its report, found that there is a trust deficit against the election management body, perceptions of interference by the ruling parties in managing elections, obsolete election laws and lack of knowledge among voters.
The recommendations are aimed at addressing these issues and put Malaysia on par with advanced democracies where elections are accepted as independent, transparent, professional, efficient and fair.
