An opposition party has complained about irregularities in the Perak electoral roll, with voters allegedly being transferred out to other constituencies as far as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

"We have come across many irregularities and we are very concerned. These voters have been transferred out without any reasons given by the Election Commission (EC)," said Thomas Su, the DAP candidate for the Pasir Pinji state seat yesterday.

"We will be demanding for an explanation from the commission," added Su, who also disclosed that an official complaint with the election watchdog.

Su will be facing incumbent BN/MCA candidate Chan Kam in a close fight the Chinese-majority seat. In 1999, Chan disposed DAP's Ngeh Koo Ham by 1,019 votes. He obtained 8.868 votes as opposed to Ngeh's 7,849.

Elaborating on the polls irregularities, Su claimed that those who have been casting their votes in the Pasir Pinji constituency have found their names 'exported' elsewhere.

"In one case, a woman who has been living in Pasir Pinji had her name transferred out to Sentul Selatan, under the Batu constituency (in Kuala Lumpur).

"She has never lived in Kuala Lumpur, her identity card is registered here (Pasir Pinji), having also voted here in 1999," he alleged.

He said another resident had his name moved to a location in Merlimau, Pahang.

A check later revealed that the man was born in Merlimau, but he had not lived there for many years. He also had his address on his identity card changed to his current residence in Ipoh.

Deliberate changes?

Other cases included a voter discovering that her name was transferred to Bukit Lanjan, which falls under the Subang parliamentary seat in Selangor while another was placed under the Pengkalan Pegoh area under the neighbouring Gopeng parliamentary constituency.

"I hope this is not a method used to ensure that certain parties are in a favoured position to win," said Su.

He added that all voters should check their registration at the various operations centres before polling day to check on such discrepancies.