Last December, when Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman was asked about the proposal from Barisan Alternatif to use indelible ink at the polls, he arrogantly said the suggestion was outdated and unfeasible .

To him, such a practice is only suitable in poor countries and not fit for 'a rapidly developing' country like Malaysia. Before that, he untruthfully said to DAP leaders in a closed-door discussion that he cannot accept such ideas as PAS had rejected it as this was contrary to the Islamic laws. The PAS leaders, who steadfastly support the idea, quickly denied the allegation.

Instead Abdul Rashid suggested the use of electronic identification tools to avoid multiple voting. In line with his argument that Malaysia is a progressive and prosperous country, special computerised machines using biometric system will be placed at all polling stations throughout the country to fulfil the task.

However last month, Abdul Rashid unexpectedly made a U-turn . He said that the EC had agreed to use of indelible ink to safeguard against multiple or phantom voting. He also dismissed his own suggestion to use computerised machines as the cost will exceed RM30 million.

The announcement was welcomed by social activists and political leaders especially from the opposition. However, given EC's previous track record, few are confident that Abdul Rashid will seriously walk his talk. It appeared that he merely want to shut the opposition leaders up rather than carry out his responsibility to organise transparent, free and fair elections.

After all, his agreement to introduce the indelible ink is "to put the matter to rest" and he hoped that"'they will stop hounding" him. Otherwise, according to him, "some parties will continue to capitalise and politicise this issue."

And until now, Abdul Rashid has not make any effort to begin the process of implementing the use of indelible ink in the next general election. There are two things that must be done soon - the amendment to the election laws to allow the introduction of indelible ink and a decision on the type of ink to be used.