KUALA LUMPUR – Johor PKR is in full favour of Bersih 2.0’s “Sack or Keep?” campaign – a simulated recall election campaign for constituencies whose elected representatives have party-hopped in between polls.
The simulation exercise is set to start in Tebrau – where incumbent parliamentarian Steven Choong jumped from PKR to Perikatan Nasional in February.
“For us, Choong’s defection is tantamount to a betrayal of the people’s mandate and greatly disappoints many,” said the Johor chapter in a statement.
It said it hopes that the initiative by the electoral watchdog will recover the faith of voters in the democratic and electoral system, which has been eroded by irresponsible actions by not only the Tebrau MP, but also others since the Sheraton Move.
The effort is also seen as a warning mechanism to elected representatives that they will face the consequence of any disloyal intention from their constituents.
Johor PKR deputy chairman Jimmy Puah said the party is fully committed to the simulation campaign and will mobilise members to assist in the exercise.
“We hope this simulated recall election exercise will be one of many, and its success can be adopted by future governments as a means to hold elected representatives accountable to their voters, and ultimately, provide greater stability to our political landscape.”
In the campaign, Bersih will act as an electoral committee and conduct simulated recall polls in constituencies whose elected representatives have defected.
The non-governmental organisation will use an e-voting system developed by its tech partner, ReGov Technologies. – The Vibes, June 26, 2021
