PRESS RELEASE
3 MAY 2013
Praveen Nagappan, President of the Melbourne Chapter of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) today called on the Gillard Government to make representations to the Malaysian Government to ensure that the May 5 elections are fair and free and that the people’s right of free choice is respected.Mr Nagappan referred to press reports of large scale movement of tens of thousands of dubious voters being flown in to vote in critical seats for the ruling Malaysian Government.
“There is widespread concern that electoral fraud will deny the Malaysian people to choose a government of their choice. Such a violation could lead to unrest and threaten Australian interests in the region”
“The Australian Government has previously made calls to Fiji and Papua New Guinea to respect the democratic process and it is vital that it makes a similar call to Malaysia on the eve of the most important elections since its Independence in 1957”
The presence of tens of thousands of untraceable voters of the electoral roll coupled with the recent revelation that the indelible ink used to prevent fraud can be easily washed off has fuelled fears about the integrity of the elections.
“Such issues have to be nipped in the bud and Australia as a member of the Security Council is well-placed to make the call”, said Mr Nagappan.
Opposition parties have been denied fair access to print and radio media and government resources including motor vehicles have been used for electioneering. All parties would agree that in these turbulent times, Malaysia is at a crossroads. The 13th General Elections are poised to be an historical election that will determine the country’s direction in coming years. Malaysia’s regional leadership credentials and international reputation are at stake. We call on the Malaysian Government to take all steps to ensure that GE13 is conducted fairly and the results are respected as a democratic outcome of the people’s choice. Democratic institutions and civic organisations around the world are watching Malaysia’s elections and will make judgements that will have a major impact on Malaysia
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) Melbourne is a group of like-minded anak-anak bangsa Malaysia who have come together with the intention of seeing the beginnings of the spirit of oneness taking root amongst all Malaysians. At the core of our objective is to promote enhanced governance in our beloved homeland, Malaysia.
Praveen Nagappan, President SABM
