EC qualified to take over RoS role, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: The Election Commission (EC) is qualified to take over the role of the Registry of Societies (RoS) in managing the registration and supervision of political parties.
Political analyst Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood believes that by empowering EC, the commission can better monitor political parties, as well as make quick decisions during general elections and by-elections.
“The transfer of power from RoS to EC can reduce red tape in elections.
“If a decision needs to be made by EC on political parties during campaigning and on voting day, it can do so immediately. There is no need to wait for RoS.
“It would be easier if only one agency is in charge of supervising and managing political parties and elections.
“I feel that this idea should be carried out as soon as possible,” he told the New Straits Times Press.
Nik Ahmad was referring to a recommendation by the Electoral Reform Committee to empower EC to register political parties.
He said while he did not agree with RoS being dissolved, ERC should, nevertheless, make a clear distinction of powers between the government department and the institution.
“The division of powers between RoS and EC has to be clear. EC could take over RoS’ duties with regard to managing political parties during elections, but other matters, such as registration, could remain under RoS.
“RoS is a government department under the Home Ministry and is considered a part of the government, while EC is a free and independent body, as enshrined in the Constitution.”