EC under fire over ink issue - The Star

May 8, 2008

THE Election Commission (EC) came under fire from both sides of the House following the disclosure that police investigation showed there was no evidence that indelible ink had been brought in from Thailand.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said it was only appropriate for the EC to clear the air over the last-minute scrapping of the proposed use of indelible ink in the last general election. “It needs to explain the entire episode to the people.”

He was commenting on a written reply by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar on Tuesday that with the case having been referred to the Deputy Prosecutor’s office, the matter was now classified “no further action”.

Former Human Resources Minister and Alor Gajah MP Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said it was unfortunate that the scrapping of use of the ink had influenced the public's perception of the Government.

“It created issues, and the Opposition exploited it. It is unfortunate that the Barisan Nasional suffered because of an error in judgment on the part of the EC,” he said.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin said the EC should have used a more progressive method to ensure that all voters only voted once, such as biometric identity.

Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the EC was “hated” by both sides over its decision to scrap the use of ink, particularly those satisfied with the outcome in the last election.

“Give them space to decide on what’s best for the rakyat next. There are other ways besides using indelible ink to ensure election results are not disputed,” he said.

Opposition leader and PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said Syed Hamid’s reply showed that the Government had merely acted on baseless claims.

“Now they have found that everything was just hearsay. Why didn’t they want us to use indelible ink in the first place, while India could do it?” she asked.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali said it showed that there was a concerted effort by Barisan Nasional, Umno and the police to deny voters a free and fair election.

“We demand the Election Commission and the police be independent bodies.”

PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayob said the minister’s answers had proven the Opposition’s allegations of a conspiracy between the police and Umno.

PAS MP for Shah Alam Khalid Abdul Samad said it showed that the EC chairman had failed in his duty.