GE14 | The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has failed in its bid to be accredited as an election observer.
In a statement today, Suhakam said this meant that its members would not be allowed into polling stations.
"Suhakam cannot comprehend this decision, especially as we are informed that there will be international observers during the election.
"Suhakam considers itself a vehicle of integrity and draws its strength from its legislated mandate to protect and promote human rights in Malaysia and will, in the public interest, proceed with its monitoring plan.
"Free and fair elections or its absence is an integral factor of human rights, and Suhakam calls on the EC to recognise and acknowledge fundamental human rights principles relating to elections with integrity," Suhakam said.
In a tweet later, Suhakam said it will continue to monitor the GE14, despite the denial of accreditation.
"Suhakam will monitor. #ElectionsWithIntegrity #FreeandFairElections," read the tweet.
On April 10, the EC announced that representatives of electoral management bodies from at least seven countries - Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan - will observe the election.
The EC is also inviting little known Malaysian Commonwealth Studies Centre (MCSC) to monitor the 14th general election which will be held on May 9.
However, the EC has not stated the terms of reference for these observers, nor has it identified any of them, despite nomination day being just two days away.
RELATED REPORT
