By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 12: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) Sarawak’s criticism of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar appears misplaced and overly political, when his remarks were fundamentally about ensuring administrative preparedness for the coming Sarawak Election.
This is the view of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Batu Lintang chief Hadzman Johny who believes that at no point did Asfia suggest that the Election Commission (EC) should be controlled or influenced by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“His observation that Sarawak currently lacks representation aligned with the Sarawak government within the EC was merely a political reality, not a demand for partisan appointments.
“BERSIH’s attempt to portray the statement as an attack on EC independence stretches the issue beyond its original context,” said Hadzman in a statement.
To Hadzman, the Speaker’s concern was in fact straightforward—whether the proposed increase from 82 to 99 State seats could realistically be implemented before the upcoming Sarawak Election.
“This is a legitimate constitutional and administrative concern because any delay in re-delineation directly affects election planning, logistics, candidate preparation and voter readiness.
“To accuse the Speaker of undermining EC neutrality simply because he urged the commission to expedite its process is unfair and intellectually dishonest. Public officials, including state leaders, have every right to seek clarity and efficiency from federal institutions, especially on matters with constitutional timelines and major implications for governance.
“Ironically, Bersih’s statement itself risks politicising the EC by implying that any Sarawakian perceived to be sympathetic to GPS would automatically compromise the commission’s integrity. Such a narrow interpretation suggests that only individuals detached from political realities are fit for public institutions — an impractical and elitist standard in a democratic system,” said Hadzman.
He further pointed out that Bersih Sarawak’s insinuation that previous EC commissioners may have been aligned with ruling coalitions is speculative and irresponsible unless backed by concrete evidence. To him, casting suspicion on the EC without proof does little to strengthen public confidence.
“The Speaker neither questioned the constitutional role of the EC nor called for interference in its duties. He merely highlighted the urgency of completing a process that has significant implications for Sarawak’s electoral framework.
“Bersih Sarawak should focus on advocating constructive electoral reforms instead of manufacturing controversy from statements that were clearly administrative and procedural in nature,” said Hadzman.
On May 9 (Saturday), Asfia held a press conference at PBB headquarters to brief the media on upcoming DUS which is to be held from May 11 to 20, 2026.
During the press conference, when the media asked for an update on the approved 17 new seats, Asfia said that the Bill on the 17 new State seats had been passed during the previous sitting on July 7, 2025, and was therefore subject to Standing Order 32(3), which prevented any specific question already concluded by DUS from being reconsidered in the same session.
He explained that Standing Order 32(3) stated that it would be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the Dewan had come to a conclusion during the current session, except upon a substantive motion for rescission.
Asfia continued to say that while the EC is still within its constitutional timeframe to complete its duties, it must also take into account the approaching State election.
He was quoted stating that —“Months have passed with no word whether the 17 new seats are in time for the election this year”.
On the composition of the EC, Asfia claimed that the ruling coalition GPS does not have representation in the EC, aside from what he described as a “lone Sarawakian member” who is not from GPS.
He said GPS would continue to function as “the voice of the voiceless” within such national institutions, adding that the EC should be more dynamic and responsive in carrying out its responsibilities.
In response, Bersih Sarawak was quoted on May 12 as saying it was “baffled” by Asfia’s comments regarding GPS having no representation in the EC
The civil society organisation (CSO) was quoted as perturbed by Asfia’s statement about the “lone Sarawakian member in the EC not from GPS”.
In the statement, Bersih Sarawak said that the Election Commission (EC), as the only body responsible for conducting elections, must remain free from the influence of any party, especially political parties and the executive at both state and federal levels, in carrying out its constitutional duties.
It added that Article 114(2) of the Federal Constitution states that the appointment of EC members lies with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, who must take into account the importance of ensuring an EC that enjoys public confidence.
The group further said that achieving public confidence requires commissioners to be neutral and not favour any party, meaning they should not be affiliated with any political party, whether currently or in the past.
It emphasised that the EC, as the only body responsible for conducting elections, must remain free from the influence of any party, particularly political parties and the executive (whether at the state or federal level), in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. — DayakDaily
