Last-minute elections are costly for EC, says former chairman
28 Sep 2022 11:59pm
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun
Azhar, the former EC chairman said in the UK, the Westminster system has an Act for a fix term for Parliament to be dissolved on a fixed date.
However, in Malaysia, he said it is difficult as EC needs to carry out its duties early, adding that the EC needs to train 90,000 election workers.
Furthermore, he said polling stations are expensive.
"There was an event in Cameron Highlands, the hall that EC uses was booked for a wedding ceremony and considering the law prevailed, the bride and groom had to postpone their ceremony.
EC had to pay compensation to the bride, he said.
Azhar added the cost to hold elections are expensive as EC will have to make last-minute reservations.
"For example, if you want to rent helicopters, EC needs to rely on whatever price is set and cannot bargain because like it or not, elections are necessary to be held within 60 days after Parliament is dissolved," he said.
"As a person who has been in EC, practically speaking I prefer the Parliamentary system to have a fixed term so that SPR is ready
"EC can make early preparations like going down to see the place for polling stations, train employees and buy supplies that ate needed," he said.
