KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — The parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms is stuck over the use of indelible ink, a key demand by polls reform movement Bersih, due to questions over its legality.The Malaysian Insider understands that Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs in the committee insisted today that marking voters to avoid multiple voting could be implemented.
But Election Commission (EC) chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, who was also present at today’s meeting, has stated that the Federal Constitution does not allow authorities to force a voter to be marked with permanent ink.
De facto law minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz also said earlier this year that the government cannot stop someone from exercising his right to vote.
“In the end, they admitted that they are still waiting for the Attorney-General’s opinion on the matter,” a source said.
The use of indelible ink is one of Bersih’s eight demands.
When met by reporters after the meeting today, panel chief Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said “there were many proposals today but no resolution on any policy yet.”
The EC had initially planned to use RM2.4 million worth of indelible ink for the 2008 general election but backed out at the 11th hour citing public order and security issues.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that the last-minute change cost his coalition 15 federal seats.
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