EC told to explain delible 'indelible ink'

Apr 30: Hours after advance voting started this morning, the social media were flooded with images of the removable 'indelible ink' marked on voters' fingers.

The discovery by voters led to a barrage of questions being heaped on the Election Commission, which had been dismissing public concerns over irregularities of the electoral system.

The EC had claimed that the ink would last for about a week.
■ DELIBLE ... A voter shows how the ink can be removed using a wet cloth


PAS lawyer Asmuni Awi said the party received many complaints from army and police officers that the indelible ink can be washed away from one's index finger using just water and soap.

“We have received many complaints that the indelible ink used today is not permanent and could be washed. Is this true? If so, PAS wants explanation from EC because it had given its assurance that the indelible ink could last at least three days,” Asmuni told a press conference held in Ipoh.

He expressed concerns that the development would lead to double voting on polling day this Sunday.

Despite voters showing how the indelible ink could easily come off, EC chief Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof insisted that there was no such thing.

“Impossible, I do not believe the indelible ink can be removed by any oil-based lubricant... the ink is made from silver nitrate. When the ink is put on the fingernail, it will seep into the skin,” he was quoted as saying by The Malaysian Insider.

Aziz urged complainants to come forward to prove their claims. On police’s report lodged by several Pakatan Rakyat leaders on the incident, Aziz said he would leave it to the police.

Political analyst Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff meanwhile questioned Aziz’s sincerity in resolving the matter.

“The people are voting on May 5. Can the police and EC detail their investigation results before then?” he asked.