PBS Supports Reform To Electoral System

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) supports the Election Commission's (EC) efforts to reform the electoral system but calls for a proper consultation with stakeholders, especially political parties, which will be affected by the change.

Commenting on the EC's proposal to introduce an early voting system, PBS Secretary-General Henrynus Amin said the party was taken by surprise by the announcement as the EC had not consulted the party nor any of its leaders.

"From the outset, the proposal seems simple but it actually raises more questions than answers as the EC seems to indicate as if the existing electoral system is faulty," he said in a statement Tuesday.

He said PBS wanted to know which part of the existing system was faulty and that the party was also seeking answers as to how the proposed early voting system could remedy the situation.

He said it was not right for political parties to agree or disagree on the proposed change at this juncture without first having the opportunity to explore and consider the various implications of such initiatives.

He said PBS would therefore write to the EC to seek clarification on the proposed early voting system before making further statement.

Meanwhile, Henrynus urged the EC to look closely into the plights of more than 50,000 Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia but were unable to vote during general election.

He said if there was to be any change, PBS would want to see Sabah-registered voters, who were working in Peninsular Malaysia, to be given the chance to vote as well.