“The bi-partisan Parliamentary Select Committee on the Electoral System is the most appropriate and transparent manner to address the various issues and concerns raised,” said Gerakan President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in supporting the announcement by the Prime Minister.

“This is indeed politically and legally correct. It was a positive response to public concern, in line with ‘People First’ and Gerakan’s principle and stand,” said Dr Koh.

“This committee should ask the Election Commission to make presentations and explanations. It should also hold public hearings in various regions, to allow the people to present their views and suggestions,” added Dr Koh.

Gerakan has been supportive of electoral reforms and the right of peaceful assembly, though not in favour of street demonstrations, as announced by Dr Koh after its Central Committee meeting on 18 June this year.

In fact, Dr Koh had openly called for a Parliamentary Select Committee for Electoral Reform at the Gerakan KLFT State Delegates Conference on 7 August recently. Subsequently, he raised this in the Cabinet meeting. He said, “ Gerakan is glad that our view has been accepted.”

Earlier, Dr Koh had also openly expressed support for Malaysians residing overseas to be able to exercise their voting rights.

“But we need to sort out the logical, legal and technical aspects. For example, do we advocate postal votes for those overseas, but do not allow postal voting within the country? These need to be deliberated carefully to be fair to all,” said Dr Koh.