Sabah election: Suhakam to monitor polls, on stand-by for complaints
September 4, 2020 @ 3:09pm
KOTA KINABALU: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is geared up to receive public complaints on rights violations that may occur throughout the two-week Sabah election, which kick starts with nomination day on Sept 12.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Othman Hashim, said Suhakam will send a team to the state to monitor the election process up to polling day, which falls on Sept 26.
Apart from observing standard operating procedures (SOPs), the commission will also ensure that the rights of every Malaysian citizen to participate in the election process is respected and not disrupted, he said.
"The commission had in the past received complaints on voting rights. We will monitor (the election) to ensure that the right to vote is a meaningful duty for every citizen in all aspects," Othman told reporters after paying a courtesy call on interim Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at the Sabah Government Administrative Centre here, today.
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He said complaints submitted to Suhakam will be investigated, and a report made, along with a recommendation for improvement to the state government.
Othman expressed hope that the election will be better than previous polls, with all constituents able to go out and vote.
"In our meeting (with Shafie), we talked about mutual interests, human rights, current developments, and good values related to integrity, transparency, and accountability.
"We have had good cooperation from state government agencies and departments. We will continue to work together to contribute in addressing human rights issues, not only in Sabah but Malaysia as a whole," he said.
Othman also noted that Suhakam's representatives had met with the state's Election Commission for a briefing; and to share details of their role in the 16th state election process.