The dead still can vote in Penang...

Penang DAP is protesting the “unprofessional” preparation of the additional electoral roll for the fourth quarter of last year by the Election Commission (EC).

Today, the party submitted a letter to the Penang EC branch director, Morat Pora, to register its unhappiness over the roll.

Komtar assemblyperson Ng Wei Aik, who signed the letter, said that the roll for Penang only dropped those who have relocated (changed their address).

Those who died, were stripped of their citizenship, retired police or army personnel, and those who have lost the right to vote (including the postal vote) were not dropped from the roll, he said.

“This shows that the roll is not perfect and is incomplete, and certain quarters can still use their identities (to vote) as they have not been deleted from the roll,” said Ng (right), who is political secretary to the Penang chief minister.

“These irresponsible quarters can use the names of those who have died but are still featured in the roll, they can become phantom voters in the coming polls,” he added.

‘EC, please be professional’

Ng said it was impossible that no one had died during the period October to December last year in Penang.

However, those who are still alive and kicking, and who merely changed their home address but did not update it with the National Registration Department (NRD), should not be deleted from the list, he added.

He expressed hope that the EC can work professionally by obtaining the latest update of citizens from the NRD, before displaying the electoral roll.

“This should be done so that the EC’s integrity is not compromised due to the errors of its staff or other quarters,” he said.

Ng’s letter was received by Penang EC branch deputy director Mohd Faiz Syazwan Zainal Abidin.
Mohd Faiz said the EC would prepare the roll in time for the coming general elections, which may be called at any time soon.

He said the EC was fully prepared for the task as it has begun its initial preparation of appointing relevant officers and staff for the job.

“We have everything already, including voting boxes. What we do not have yet is the voting papers, that would come after the nomination of candidates,” he added.- malaysiakini

cheers.