The Star Online: Nation

Hishammuddin: ISA repeal can only be tabled in March
Some MPs want automatic voter registration implemented
Dewan approves setting up of select committee on electoral reform (Updated)

Hishammuddin: ISA repeal can only be tabled in March

Posted: 03 Oct 2011 07:30 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Internal Security Act (ISA) can only be tabled in March next year as the government wants to "get it right" with the two new proposed laws for national security.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the government wanted to ensure that the new acts were balanced with the need to ensure safety and unity of the people, and that all Malaysians were protected under the new laws.

"It is a question of engagement and consultations. We want to get it right. We want to make sure whatever amendment we plan is not just rhetoric," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here, Monday.

"This is an opportunity for the government and people to set the ground rules for future transformation, and build a better nation and practise a stronger democratic system," he said.

More in The Star on Tuesday

Some MPs want automatic voter registration implemented

Posted: 03 Oct 2011 06:03 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Some members of parliament, from both sides of the floor, called for a system for Malaysians to be automatically registered as voters when they reached the age of 21.

The matter had been raised several times by various parties, especially after the government announced the setting up of the Special Select Committee on the country's electoral reform.

Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said the automatic voter registration could save time and money because political parties would no longer have to campaign to get the people to register as voters, and Election Commission (EC) officers did not have to go to the ground to conduct the voter registration exercises.

"We can do that online, automatically, as long as they are citizens, have identity cards, they can automatically become voters," he said when debating a motion on the setting up of the Special Select Committee on Electoral Reform in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

The motion was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz. Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusof (PKR-Balik Pulau), who agreed with Bung Mokhtar, suggested that the minimum voting age be lowered to 18.

Another parliamentary member, Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent-Pasir Mas) suggested the EC to collaborate with university vice-chancellors to open voter registration counters in campus.

"Many university students have reached the eligible age, but do not register. If we can open a counter, I believe half of them will register," he added. - Bernama

Dewan approves setting up of select committee on electoral reform (Updated)

Posted: 03 Oct 2011 03:11 AM PDT

Published: Monday October 3, 2011 MYT 11:58:00 AM
Updated: Monday October 3, 2011 MYT 6:11:19 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat on Monday approved a motion to set up an Electoral Reform Parliamentary Select Committee by voice vote.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz had tabled the motion under Standing Order 81.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Pakatan Rakyat named Azmin Ali (PKR), Dr Hatta Ramli (PAS) and Anthony Loke (DAP) as its representatives in the committee.

Barisan Nasional had named its four representatives last month - Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi representing Sarawak and the Iban community, Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad (Kangar), Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn (Alor Gajah) and P. Kamalanathan (Hulu Selangor).

More in The Star on Tuesday

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Isnin, 3 Oktober 2011