EC chief finally admits ink fiasco

After defending itself in the indelible ink fiasco during the recent general election where it was found that the ink could be easily removed, Election Commission chief Abdul Aziz Yusuf has acknowledged the embarrassing episode, indirectly admitting his failure.

“If people ask me now, what is the most saddening episode in my life, I will say indelible ink,” Aziz (pic) told Malay daily Sinar Harian today in an exclusive interview.

However, he stopped short of explaining why the indelible ink had caused so much sadness to him.

The discovery that the ink could be washed off from one's skin started during the advance voting stage after voters showed how the ink could be removed, contradicting EC’s earlier claim that it would last for seven days.

Following a public uproar, EC then held a public demonstration on May 2 to prove that ink could last, with its secretary Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria washing his finger several times for the camera.

However, on May 5, voters took to the net to show the indelible ink could be easily removed, and gave way to widespread anger accusing the EC of masterminding electoral fraud to ensure victory for BN. The Commission had defended itself claiming that it was obliged to limit the content of silver nitrate in the ink as instructed by the Health ministry.

But earlier this month, the Health ministry denied the claim, saying it had not been consulted. -HD