PUTRAJAYA – Newly minted Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has made it his personal target to limit the term of the prime minister, introduce an anti-hopping law and implement Undi18, among several reforms he aims to accomplish.
These proposals were part of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s last-ditch efforts to get the support of the opposition during his final days in power.
Speaking at a press conference, Wan Junaidi said the reforms offered by the Pagoh MP will be taken into the current government’s consideration.
“Among the government transformations I am talking about is based on the offer made by Muhyiddin to Pakatan Harapan (PH),” he said today.
“I will study all the proposals he made including, firstly, to limit the prime minister’s tenure, secondly, on anti-hopping laws and thirdly, the implementation of Undi18.”
On August 13, just days before he resigned as prime minister, Muhyiddin had offered a slew of reform pledges to the opposition in exchange for their support if his confidence is tested in Parliament.
The move, however, backfired as opposition MPs immediately turned down the offer and accused Muhyiddin of bribery on national television.
Just three days after his offer, Muhyiddin officially relinquished his position as prime minister.
Undi18 implementation continues
On Undi18, Wan Junaidi said the Election Commission (EC) has been instructed to prepare for its implementation, together with the automatic registration, by the end of this year, in line with the court’s decision last week.
In a ruling on September 3, the Kuching High Court ruled that the government must implement Undi18 and the related amendments by December 31, and not September next year as initially proposed, following a judicial review application.
Wan Junaidi added that the government has yet to decide whether to appeal the decision, saying it will only be finalised upon discussion with the cabinet and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
According to the minister, the reason the government had initially set September 2022 for the completion of the Undi18 implementation is due to several technical issues that would require time, as well as the consideration that it is still in time for the next general election due by mid-2023.
Among the matters that needed ironing out, Wan Junaidi said, include the issue of voters’ updated addresses, unregistered deaths, and others concerning individuals who have lost qualification to vote.
Additionally, he said there are currently five states that have yet to lower the age for individuals to contest in the elections to 18.
Wan Junaidi said the significant increase in new voters, when automatic registration is in place, could pose serious problems for the EC, particularly concerning manpower needs and equipment to handle elections.
According to the minister, there are currently about 1.19 million qualified individuals aged 18 to 20, with an additional 4.41 million aged 21 and above who are yet to be registered.
“I was told in the event of a Sarawak election, the EC would require 16,000 staff on the ground. That’s Sarawak alone. And, during this Covid-19 period, many people are afraid of volunteering to help.”
On the recall election bill proposed by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Wan Junaidi said since it is a private members’ bill, the matter will be decided by the Dewan Rakyat speaker.
Even if it is approved to be tabled in Parliament, Wan Junaidi said the government’s business will still take priority, in line with the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders. – The Vibes, September 7, 2021
