My Response to Y.B. Lim Kit Siang

I refer to the statement made by Y.B. Lim Kit Siang against Gerakan Youth Kedah and my proposal for the imposition of the penalty for unreasonable resignation by assemblyperson, which was sent to the Election Commission on 18th April, 2009 (details of the proposal can be found at tankengliang.blogspot.com). The statement by Y.B. Lim Kit Siang can be seen at his blog at www.limkitsiang.com on 21st, 22nd and 23rd April. 2009. The chronology of events are as follows:-

On 21st April, 2009
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2009/04/21/why-there-should-be-by-elections-in-the-three-state-assembly-seats-of-jelapang-behrang-and-changkat-jering-in-perak-and-the-parliamentary-seat-of-kulai/
In reference to my proposal, Y.B. Lim Kit Siang states that “Kedah Gerakan Youth belongs to a substantial group in the Barisan Nasional quite lacking in grey matters as to have such silly ideas”.

On 22nd April, 2009
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2009/04/22/ec-what-moral-right-has-it-to-propose-law-changes-to-deal-with-unnecessary-by-elections/
Y.B. Lim Kit Siang went on to state that he found “it shocking that the Election Commission Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd has told Sin Chew Daily that the Election Commission is very serious about silly proposals to amend current elections laws to impose monetary penalty of RM100,000 or higher to prevent such “unnecessary by-elections” except in cases of death, illness or other conditions causing MPs or Assemblymen to be unfit to perform their duties”.

On 23rd April, 2009
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2009/04/23/election-commission-explain-strangeextraordinary-behaviour-reinforcing-public-suspicions-about-its-independence-professionalism-and-integrity/
Y.B Lim Kit Siang again questions whether the Election Commission is “seriously suggesting that apart from cases of death, disqualification of the Member of Parliament or State Assembly member because of bankruptcy, unsound mind, criminal conviction or acquisition of foreign citizenship, all resignations by elected representative will cause “unnecessary by-elections” and should be barred such as fines amounting to RM100,000 or above”.


In view of the aforesaid, I wish to state that:-

1. The series of events which are occurring lately in our country should be viewed as signs that our country elections law maybe outdated and need to be reviewed for the benefit of the people and our country.

2. Y.B. Lim Kit Siang should understand that my proposals to Election Commission are meant for the benefit of Malaysians and covers not only imposition of penalty for unreasonable resignation. The proposal also includes, among others, amendments to Article 48(6) of the Federal Constitution to exempt the 5 years disqualification of an assemblyperson should the purpose of the resignation is to seek a fresh mandate from the people for the change of party in view of the situation in Perak.

3. As a senior politician, Y.B. Lim Kit Siang should know that he should read my whole proposal before making any comment. A copy can be sent via fax to him should he wishes so;

4. The repeated labeling by Y.B. Lim Kit Siang of the proposal to impose monetary penalty of RM50,000 (for state assemblyperson) and RM100,000 (for MPs) for unreasonable resignation as silly are totally uncalled for as I am merely giving my views as a Malaysian. For his further info, the quantum of the penalty took into account the salary of the assemblyperson.

5. The Chairman of the Election Commission, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf and his deputy, Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar were only acting professionally to consider the view of all Malaysians in order to improve the elections law in Malaysia. As such, I totally disagree with the criticism by Y.B. Lim Kit Siang against them.

6. Instead, Y.B. Lim Kit Siang should allow the Election Commission to study any possible review of the elections law. And if he wishes so (instead of just making postings in his blog), he could submit an official proposal of any review that he deems fit for the consideration of the Election Commission, which would be a more constructive assistance to Malaysians.

Thank you.