The Election Commission (EC) should be open and take a diplomatic approach in dealing with issues and problems, said its chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.

Abdul Aziz, who will retire this Sunday, said EC staff should remain steadfast and not easily give in to any effort or provocation to discredit EC in the future.

"Work to uphold and enhance the image of the EC in the eyes of the local community and internationally, and continue to give unwavering support to the EC's new leadership.

"Give constructive criticism to each other, and learn from past mistakes as well as strive to improve the work processes, democratic system and election management in our country," said Abdul Aziz to the EC staff during his retirement ceremony at the EC headquarters in Putrajaya, today.

He also presented the handing over of duties notice to the new EC chairperson, Mohd Hashim Abdullah.

When asked about the challenges he would face as the new EC chairperson, Mohd Hashim said he faced an uphill task of maintaining the perfection brought about by Abdul Aziz during his tenure.

"The organisation is already perfect, so I hope that during my time it remains perfect and he (Abdul Aziz) will support us," he said, adding that each task had its different set of challenges to be encountered.

During the event, Abdul Aziz also launched the EC's gallery, 'Galeri Tan Sri Abdul Aziz', in appreciation of his significant contribution over the last seven years as EC chairperson.

The gallery which can be visited free of charge, is based on a time-tunnel concept, displaying a chronology of election events through posters, pictures, as well as election equipment including ballot boxes, ballots, seals, counting trays, party manifestos and computers.

Those who wish to visit the gallery may contact the Academy of Elections secretariat at 03-88927173 or 03-88927193.

- Bernama