PARLIAMENT | The Election Commission (EC) is not immune from errors due to having to register millions of voters, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Razali Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

This is how he rebutted Fuziah Salleh (PKR-Kuantan), who held the EC responsible over a particular error, where voters staying in the same vicinity were registered under different constituencies.

"The addresses in the IC are the exact addresses the voters registered with the EC. But (problems arose) during the key-in process. This is human error.

"For instance, the voters are registered at different parliamentary and state constituencies even though they live on the same street," Fuziah lamented during the winding up of the 2018 Budget debate.

"The voters on the left side of the street are registered at a parliamentary and state seat, while those on the right side of the street are registered at another parliamentary and state seat.

"Now, what can the EC do to ensure no such similar errors happen again?" she asked.

Razali (photo) responded in jest, "Millions are registered as voters (with the EC), if no mistakes made, terror!

"To not make any mistake during the registration of the officers? I am speechless. If this can be done, it is good then.

"But if there are mistakes, we will fix them later on, that is all," he retorted.

The opposition and electoral watchdog Bersih have alleged irregularities and gerrymandering of voting districts, particular when EC published new voters every three months.

Opposition lawmakers and Bersih have also raised concerns over army voters who were registered at a new camp that is still under construction.

On this matter, Razali urged those who have issues with voter registration to allow the hearing to take its course.

"EC would not look at the (army) camp (in registering new voters), only the Defence Ministry will look at the camp. If the registrations (were) done according to the rules and regulation, we just approve (it)," he explained.

"When they filled up the Borang A (voter registration application form) and we are happy with it, then we will accept," he said.

He also noted that the construction of the camps were mostly complete, with only the bathroom still under construction.

If there are any objections made, he said, the EC would go through the documents presented to them.

Razali also noted that candidates have to apply for police permission if they want to enter the police lock-up to monitor ballot boxes for the early voting process.

Fuziah (photo), who complained she was denied permission to enter the lock-up to do so in the last general election, said the EC needed to take charge of the army camp issue and the safety of the ballot boxes for early voting.

"People claimed that EC is a toothless tiger. EC cannot let go of its responsibility.

"On the matter of voter buying, the EC said this falls under MACC. Now, you (Razali), say wait for the objection procedure (for voter registration). This is very irresponsible.

"Is EC letting go of its responsibilities, and is everything a mere free for all? Is that how it is?" she asked.

Rezali replied: "Yes, it is. What should I do? I said (we have to abide) by the lock-up regulations. You can take this video footage and go viral with it.

"This falls under the power of the specific police station. (You think) a candidate is so great that he or she can breach all regulations?"

Fuziah then requested that the EC moves the ballot boxes elsewhere after early voters have cast their ballots.

Razali responded that the government cannot make rules and regulations just for the convenience of the opposition.