Suhakam not allowed to monitor election

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will not be allowed inside polling stations to monitor the 14th general election (GE14).
Suhakam in a statement said it was notified by the Election Commission (EC) that it's application to monitor the GE14 was denied.
"Suhakam cannot comprehend this decision especially as we are informed that there will be international observers during the election.
"Suhakam considers itself a vehicle of integrity and draws its strength from its legislated mandate to protect and promote human rights in Malaysia, and will in the public interest proceed with its monitoring plan.
"Free and fair elections or its absence is an integral factor of human rights, and Suhakam calls on the Election Commission to recognise and acknowledge fundamental human rights principles relating to elections with integrity," read the statement.
It was reported that the EC has invited 14 countries to participate in the May 9 polls as foreign observers.
Seven countries have agreed to send representatives namely Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan.
EC chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah said 14 local non-governmental organisations and university representatives will also be observing the polls.
"Other than those who have been appointed and invited, no other organisation or individuals will be recognised," he added.
For GE13, the EC had invited, among others, Malaysian Youth Council, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas), Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS), Merdeka Centre and Gabungan Persatuan Orang Cacat Malaysia to act as observers during the polls.