Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) calls on the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that the upcoming Sarawak State Election on 16th April 2011 is conducted in a clean and fair manner. Integrity must be reflected in the conduct of the Election. TI-M calls on the EC to enforce the Election Offences Act 1954 without fear or favour to prevent the occurrence of untoward incidents such as money politics and vote buying. All parties contesting in the election must abide strictly by the Election Offences Act 1954 and compete in a fair manner.
As an independent institution, the EC抯 role is crucial in ensuring that the Sarawak State Election is free of irregularities and abuses. The EC is duty bound to apply all election laws fairly and to prevent electoral corruption, manipulation and the abuse of power in any form. Public confidence in the EC will be undermined if the election process is tainted.
TI-M is extremely concerned with the state government抯 recent action in denying independent election observers such as leaders of The Coalition for Fair and Free Elections (Bersih 2.0) entry into Sarawak. The presence of independent observers is to monitor and observe the conduct of the Sarawak State Election, and it is a right that should not be denied or taken away by anyone. Independent election observers are vital stakeholders in ensuring free and fair elections are conducted. It is their obligation, as impartial observers to report any wrongdoings in election related activities to guarantee the integrity of the Sarawak State Election.
TI-M appeals to the Sarawak state government to lift the ban on these independent observers and to allow them to play their role in ensuring that a free and fair election is conducted. TI-M hopes that all relevant parties will come together to demonstrate that Malaysia is capable of organising free, fair and honest elections, towards upholding democracy and protecting the interests of all Malaysian citizens.
