Former Election Commission deputy chief Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said his 16 years of service was plagued by unwarranted claims that the commission was not a fair referee.

 

"They just wanted to win. Thus they will accuse us and find all sorts of excuse if they lose. For 16 years, I've had good and bad experiences. But what satisfies me most is that despite such pressure, I was able to weather it and my health was not affected.  

 

"I was able to fulfil my responsibilities by explaining to people what really goes on and defend the EC's credibility," he told Mingguan Malaysia in an interview published today.

 

Wan Ahmad reached the 66-year-old age cap earlier this week and retired.

He said that 16 years in the EC had caused a lot of mental fatigue thus he hopes that he can now spend more time with his family and fit in a bit of golf.

 

On his most unforgettable experience, Wan Ahmad said it occurred during the 13th general election campaign, where he and EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof were the subject of widespread criticism.

 

"They stepped on our photos, taught youths to hurl abuses at us, disrespected the federal constitutions, disrespecting a body that was appointed by the Agong.  

 

"I will always remember this. It saddens me to see people of my own race doing such things. If these is no change in mindset, I am worried that things will become worse," he said.