The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) appealed to corporations and agencies to donate in helping them with observation mission for the upcoming 13th General Election since the Election Commission is not funding the work.

In a statement released on Thursday, IDEAS once again pleaded for the public to volunteer for the cause.

“This is an important responsibility, especially as the election is expected to happen in the near future,” said the statement.

According to IDEAS, the role of an accredited volunteer observer is to observe, record, and report the processes of GE-13.

They will be given necessary training and forms. The forms provided will ask specific questions about what the volunteer observers see happening on the ground.

To be a volunteer observer, the individual must fulfil these requirements:

• Malaysian
• Aged 21 or above
• Does not have any criminal convictions
• Not on a bankrupt list
• Does not hold positions or actively campaigning in any political party
• Can undertake observation task objectively and co-operatively.

For the full terms and conditions, as well as the full pledge by the volunteer observer can be accessed from www.pemerhati.my

IDEAS are among the 16 Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) appointed by the Election Commission to observe GE-13.

They are aiming to observe up to 70 constituencies across Peninsular Malaysia which were chosen as they are considered as potential hot seats, where the margin of victory in 2008 is small or there were concerns that arised in 2008.

The constituencies include Arau, Jerlun, Balik Pulau, Kuala Kangsar, Lumut, Petaling Jaya Selatan, Bukit Katil dan Temerloh.

Beside IDEAS, the Election Commission recently appointed Merdeka Centre, ASLI Centre for Public Policy Studies and  Malaysia Confederation for the Disabled as the election observers in Peninsular Malaysia.