It is apparent that a sizeable enough number of Malaysians harbour doubts about the validity of the declared outcome of the 13th General Election in light of numerous complaints of electoral fraud. Given the possibility of fraud having occurred, possibly on a large scale, it is simply not open to Malaysians to accept the analysis of results now offered to them by reference to voter sentiment. This is more so for the fact that the popular vote was in favour of the Pakatan.
In this context BERSIH’s intended Peoples’ Tribunal is a welcome suggestion. It will allow Malaysians an opportunity to present proof of electoral fraud, such as there is, and look to answering the question of whether the polls were hijacked, and if so, by whom. I look forward to hearing more details of the proposed initiative. Such evidence that may come to light would then provide foundation for further initiatives.
The National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) should facilitate the enquiry. Vested with statutory powers, it is empowered to do so in a way that BERSIH is not. It would be useful for persons with proof of fraud to lodge complaints directly with SUHAKAM.
I hope the Barisan Nasional Government of the day, and the institutions of the State will view this process as necessary, not least for the fact that it will allow those Malaysians who feel aggrieved, rightly or wrongly, to channel their frustrations in a constructive manner. To that end, they should look to facilitating the enquiry as well.
MIS
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