In the matter of raising the age of members of the Elections Commission by one year, I cannot understand what all the fuss is about. It is simply in consistency with what has been implemented for Judges, and I can’t imagine what damage a year of service will cause.

The vehemence with which the opposition demonstrates would make one think that the extra year would create some great catastrophe. Their insinuations that the current Commission Chairman is biased and thus unfit to hold the post are unfounded.

International observers have stated that our electoral process is indeed free and fair, a point also acknowledged by an independent survey among Malaysians. There is no reason to question the impartiality of the Elections Commission or its Chairman. It has worked well all this while.

Accusations of fraud, voter list problems and constituency delineation have all been explained. However, if a few people have different perceptions and refuse to listen to reason, then nothing can be done to convince them.

Being devoid of issues, the opposition seems to be clinging to straws to create one. It is a ridiculous accusation, without any basis, and the publicity stunt created should be disregarded by the public.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.