Anwar wants EC probe on ‘rapid’ Selangor voter spikes

Anwar wants EC probe on ‘rapid’ Selangor voter spikes

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

February 13, 2012
Malaysian Insider

Anwar noted that the increases appeared to be mainly within PR-held constituencies. — File pic

PETALING JAYA, Feb 13 — The Election Commission (EC) must investigate the sudden growth in voter populations at several parliamentary constituencies in Selangor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said.

Opposition Leader Anwar told reporters that checks on the EC’s voter list in some areas within Selangor showed a suspicious and sudden increase in the number of voters over a short period of time.

The areas affected, according to Anwar, saw rises since 2008 that were much higher compared to other constituencies in Selangor.

“There has been a rapid increase... in Subang there is a 35 per cent increase, (from) 84,000 to 114,000 (registered voters.)

“Kota Raja experienced 29.5 per cent increase, and Puchong, 25 per cent from its previous figures,” said the Permatang Pauh MP.

All the constituencies named by Anwar are currently held by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers.

“This brings about doubt to the EC’s integrity... there has to be a proper mechanism (to address this), there has to be automatic registration,” he added.

PR leaders today also reiterated its calls for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to be established on claims that illegal immigrants were given citizenships and voting rights.

Anwar said the RCI should not just cover states like Sabah but all of Malaysia.

“We urge the government to establish (the RCI) immediately and don’t limit it to just Sabah because this is a national issue,” said the PKR de facto leader.

He said the EC should also verify the citizenships and voting rights of dubious voters before the next general election is called.