The Election Commission said the method used to move ballot boxes from the interior by helicopter or boat is transparent.

Commission chairperson Abdul Aziz Yusof said that polling stations far in the interior that were not connected by road had to be closed early because of the distance and the weather.

"The number of ballot papers in the box will not change when brought by helicopter or boat from the polling station. Based on the number of ballot papers issued and the ballot papers remaining, the number of ballot papers in the box will not change," he told reporters after a meeting with opposition party members in Kuching yesterday.

"It is impossible (for the ballot papers to be changed).... What is put in the box before it is brought by helicopter or boat to the tallying centre is the same number (as when the box is opened)," he said.

The opposition parties have asked for votes to be counted at polling stations before they are taken to tallying centres.

Abdul Aziz said the meeting with the opposition party leaders had been very cordial.

"They gave us good feedback and we will put into effect whatever is suitable," he said.

- Bernama