FOR decades the MIC has been plagued by electoral problems and shortcomings such as bias, abuse, manipulation, malpractices etc. at various levels of the party’s hierarchy. Today, this long litany of problems has come to a head to the extent of the party facing the prospect of de-registration by the ROS.
In fact not long ago AGMs and elections in the MIC, especially at the branch and divisional levels led to fisticuffs, assaults and angry members resorted to chair throwing or what came to hand. At times the police had to intervene. Members were incensed by the fact that some branches were suspended for no good reason, contenders suddenly found new branches had been registered on the sly – the list of abuses and malpractice was endless.
Many “winnable” contestants at the national, state, CWC and divisional levels lost their bids due to foul play, questionable methods and the dreaded complicated electoral system of the MIC. The electoral process needs to be reviewed and reformed to make it more democratic and transparent in line with today’s needs of members, especially the young.
The present crisis cannot be resolved unless the factions come to a workable compromise. Other former party leaders or even Barisan Nasional leaders need not intervene because it will only lead to a stop-gap temporary reprieve as the problems were brought about by the inadequacies of the electoral and administrative system of the MIC.
The best way is to heed the ROS directive and the party should ask for a longer grace period of 6 months before a re-election for the VPs and CWC members and other disputed posts to allow for a longer campaigning period. If necessary, the green light from the ROS needs to be sought to ensure that the right procedures and process are in place before the re-election. Nullifying the election once it is over is pointless.
The MIC can also use the Election Commission to act as an observer if this is allowed. Allowing a third party to observe the election in no way diminishes the integrity of the party. In fact, it should be welcomed to prevent any post election friction and factionalism. Even countries invite observers to ensure free and fair elections. Elections appear to be a dreaded and grueling process for both BN and Pakatan parties due to the challenges they face before and after the elections. What the MIC needs to do once the present dilemma is resolved is to set up a committee to review the entire electoral and administrative process to strengthen the party.
V. THOMAS
Sg. Buloh