MCA raps commission over indelible ink reversal
Malaysiakini.com
Mar 05, 2008
Joseph Aw Jit Way

MCA today took the Election Commission (EC) to task over its eleventh hour decision to withdraw the use of indelible ink in the March 8 polls.
MCPX

abdul rashid ec chairman and indelible ink for election 010607In a statement issued during a press conference at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the party said: "MCA is disappointed with the decision as this matter will be politicised by the opposition to canvass for votes."

"Why didn’t EC study this matter and resolve the issue earlier rather than cancelling the usage of indelible ink at the last minute?"it added

The decision to revoke the use of indelible ink also drew flak from election watchdogs and opposition parties, with DAP calling the RM2.4 million invested in its implementation as a waste of fund.

Announcing the decision yesterday, EC chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said it was due to public order and security reasons.

MCA also expressed outrage over the revelation by EC that some people were smuggling in the ink to create chaos on polling day.

"We hope the police will look into this matter in accordance with the law," it said in the statement read out by MCA elections operations advisor Wong Mook Leong.

He told reporters that the party is concerned that the opposition will manipulate this issue and use it to their advantage at the expense of Barisan Nasional (BN) parties.

Remain united

Meanwhile, MCA former deputy president Lim Ah Lek, who was also present, called on voters not to be swayed by the ‘empty promises’ made by the opposition.

"There is no way that the opposition can bring changes to the people by making noise outside of the cabinet," he said.

Citing the Triang state seat in Pahang as an example, Lim said although the seat is held by DAP, the locals turn to MCA to resolve their problems.

lim ah lekIn view of this, he called on Chinese voters to think carefully before casting their ballots in order not to make a ‘costly mistake’.

On the same note, he also urged all MCA members and former leaders to stay united to ensure victory for the party.

In the 2008 election line-up, MCA has dropped more than 60 percent of old faces in favour of new candidates.

This move has reportedly ruffled the feathers of the former who have refused to help their substitutes in their campaign.

Lim advised these leaders not to be selfish and to set aside their grouses for the sake of the party, community and country.

The former deputy president said he is helping MCA candidates with their campaign despite his retirement from active politics.

Stressing on the importance for the Chinese to back MCA, Lim said the community needs an effective voice within the government.

"We (BN parties) are like family. We can express what we want to say without any interruption," he said, adding that cabinet ministers are free to air their views during the weekly meetings. 

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