Anwar Ibrahim

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Press Statement from Muslim American Election Observers Committee Posted: 09 Jan 2013 10:29 PM PST PRESS STATEMENT Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 10 January 2013 We are members of a Muslim American Election Observers Committee delegation to Malaysia on a fact-finding mission in advance of the upcoming 13th General Elections. Over the past two days, we have met with the Election Commission (SPR) Secretariat, members of parliament, representatives from political parties and representatives of civil society organizations. American Muslims are very interested in the growth, development and prosperity of Malaysia – as it is one of the most developed Muslim majority nations in the world. We feel a special bond with Malaysian Muslims because of their commitment to Islam and the potential for Malaysia to serve as a model throughout the Muslim world as a pluralistic society committed to democratic principles and the rule of law. As democratic movements sweep across the Muslim world, we believe that Malaysia is in a position to set the standard. Our presence here is an effort to urge continued progress towards meeting international standards for free and fair elections. We note the findings of a prior international fact-finding mission on the elections in Malaysia that occurred in late April 2012 that included officials from Australia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines. Our visit here reinforces the conclusions that the prior mission made and as a result of our meetings and observations we endorse its findings and concur with its recommendations. In particular, we note the following three areas of emphasis: The integrity of the electoral roll. We have been made aware of serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral rolls. These concerns include: a. Significant numbers of non-resident voters being registered by political parties in closely-contested constituencies; b. Questionable use of government authority to register foreign born residents; and c. Difficulties in challenging the validity of the electoral rolls given the lack of access to electronic records and time and cost requirements. These issues undermine the confidence among the Malaysian people that their elections will be free and fair. Therefore, our recommendation is that the Election Commission (SPR) provide the electoral roll in electronic form and establish its own verification system with input from all parties in order to confirm the authenticity of new electors. Guarantee free and fair access to the mainstream media. It is critical in any democracy that all parties in an election have free and fair access to the broadcast and print media. We notice in Malaysia that opposition parties are denied fair coverage in mainstream broadcast and print media. Caretaker government – we recommend that a caretaker government be established immediately preceding the election to ensure fairness and prevent abuse of government powers and resources to impact the conduct and outcome of elections. It is to be noted that the views expressed here by the members of the delegation in their personal capacities and not those of any particular organization or government. * * * * * BIOGRAPHIES OF DELEGATION Dr. Mirza Baig, MD, PhD Member, Elections & Democracy Committee, Islamic Medical Association of North America Dr. Baig is respected and well recognized neurosurgeon, scientist, inventor and a community leader from Houston, Texas. He has been active in humanitarian causes throughout his career beginning as a college organizer, from Bosnia relief efforts to Pakistan Flood Relief recently. In Ohio, Iowa and Texas, Dr. Baig has been active in the US electoral process by organizing the American Muslim community’s engagement at various levels. He has facilitated over the years, countless number of candidates and represented the American Muslim community in political forums. Dr. Baig received his BS from University of Maryland. His medical education was at Howard University. His graduated research for his PhD work was completed in National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Mazen Asbahi, Esq. Counsel, Islamic Society of North America Mazen Asbahi serves as counsel to the Islamic Society of North America. As an attorney, Mr. Asbahi practices in the areas of business, healthcare and nonprofit law, representing a wide variety of clients, including entrepreneurs, investors, established businesses, physician practice groups, other healthcare-related businesses and nonprofit institutions. Mr. Asbahi received his bachelors degree with highest honors from the University of Michigan, and his juris doctorate degree, with cum laude honors, from the Northwestern University School of Law. He received his principal legal training at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, one of the nation’s premiere law firms. Dr. Inayat Malik, MD Chairman of Board for Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati; Co-Chair of Interfaith Dialogue at ISNA Dr. Malik is an accomplished surgeon, a leader in the American Muslim community, a human rights advocate and key organizer for inter-faith dialogue across the United States. In addition to Dr. Malik's dedication to medicine, he is also active in the Muslim community and is devoted to improving interfaith relations in Greater Cincinnati. Dr. Malik is a founding member and past president of the Islamic Association of Cincinnati and the Islamic Educational Council. He chaired the committee responsible for envisioning and constructing the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, one of the largest Islamic Centers in the US and is currently serving as its President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees. Dr. Malik has encouraged voter registration through the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, sending out emails and providing on site registration facilities. He has also hosted various candidates for elected political office at local state and national level to present their viewpoint on various issues to the attendees at the Islamic Center, from both the Democratic and Republican parties. Dr. Malik graduated from King Edward Medical College in Pakistan.

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