By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Asia
PENANG, Malaysia – Ahead of general elections for the national parliament on March 8th, the ruling Barisan National party has taken steps to deny Malaysians a fair vote. Human Rights Watch as called the elections “grossly unfair to the opposition.” To retain their majority, the Barisan National party has restricted free expression, controlled media outlets, and encouraged irregularities in the electoral process.
The Barisan National party is attempting to retain their majority in the national parliament because their two-thirds majority allows them to amend the constitution at will. Opposition parties currently hold only 9.6 percent of the vote.
Opposition parties have attempted to hold rallies, but police have refused to issue the proper permits that are required for gatherings of more than four people. However, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahman Badawi on March 1 was able to hold a rally of 20,000 supporters without incident.
Media outlets have also been severely restrained. An election observer inMalaysia reported to Human Rights Watch that there had been no presence in the media by the opposition party. In addition, all private-to-air channels are owned by the United Malays National Organization [UMNO]. UMNO is a founding member of the ruling coalition and Malaysia’s largest political party.
Irregularities in the electoral process have sparked concerns that the Barisan National party will attempt to manipulate the elections. Voter registrations have been transferred in mass to other districts, changes of address had not been reflected in assigned polling stations, and deceased voters are still enrolled to vote.
In addition, plans to end the introduction of indelible ink during voting on Saturday suggested another possible manner to manipulate voting. The indelible ink would have prevented phantom voting and multiple voting.
In recent months, there have been several outbreaks of protest and violence as a result of ethnic tensions. (please see: Ethnic Indians Protest Discrimination). Because of the increasing calls for change, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahman Badawi called for early elections. (please see: Brief: Malaysian Parliament Dissolved to Call Early Elections).
For more information, please see:
Human Rights Watch – Malaysia: Citizens Denied a Fair Vote – 5 March 2008
IPS – POLITICS-MALAYSIA: Plans Afoot to Rig Polls Say Opposition Parties – 5 March 2008
Taipei Times – Malaysians Will be Denied a Fair Vote: Activists – 6 March 2008
