KUALA LUMPUR, June 6: The 505 People’s Voice Coalition today warned the government that they will continue to hold street demonstrations peacefully as long as the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) does not resign.
The coalition also criticised the decision of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak to put the EC under the authority of the Parliament, which is deemed to not be comprehensive and is akin to lip service.
This is because the EC has failed to fully implement all demands of the Select Committee on the Election Process Improvement (PSC) in the 13th General Election (GE-13) on 5 May, said the Chairman of Anyone But Umno (ABU), Haris Ibrahim.
He said that the EC is also seen as praising themselves after implementing some of the recommendations issued by the PSC, while the GE-13 process has been proven to be unprofessional and full of deceit.
“As long as demands are not made, the coalition of more than 50 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will continue to hold peaceful street demonstrations in protest of the failure to establish an independent electoral body.
“The people gave a chance to the EC to clarify this issue but the EC leadership is very disappointing because they reject outright all allegations of GE fraud which is meant even though the matter has yet to be decided in court.
“The public confidence towards the EC is at its lowest level. We must condemn all moves to restructure the EC which is not comprehensive and following the proper manner,” he said in a press Conference at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall this morning.
Also present was the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM), S.Arutchelvan and the Chairman of Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), Badrul Hisham Shaharin (CheguBard).
In the meantime, he and other NGO leaders promised to give full support towards the 505 Assembly on 15 June at Padang Merbok by mobilising all machineries during the assembly.
“We will jointly demonstrate the spirit of solidarity of the people to continue to demand for the resignation of the EC.
“We will not renege on promises made and shift the blame of others. We will not forget, not give up and surrender,” he added.
