KUCHING, Oct 17: The Election Commission (EC) was urged to be proactive in coping with the ever evolving electoral landscape.
Hence, looking into alternative advancement methods such as adopting digital approach to enable electors to cast their votes.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, this is important to rural voters and returning voters to their home states.
“If we can trust the online banking system, why can’t we trust a similar system to be used for voting.
“I would like to see a more advanced system to be used. That is the way forward. EC jangan tidur (EC don’t sleep). You have to look into a more forward looking (alternative) that can create a better election system,” said Karim adding that postal votings should also be applicable to those residing outside their homestate, similar to those practiced by uniform bodies.
He spoke during a press conference after officiating the launching ceremony of Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) Foliday Campaign and Business-to-business (B2B) Networking at a hotel here.
When further asked whether a digital voting system could be enforced immediately for the upcoming 15th General Elections (GE15), Karim said it is not possible, as time would be needed to develop a stable and secure system.
“We would also need to amend the laws and legislations before the new system can be put into practice.
“But on the development of the system, those who are proficient with technology and how to make use of the internet, you need to make the system foolproof,” he added.
Karim also noted that the premier’s plan on financing student’s trip back to Sarawak to vote will be studied thoroughly.
The act of providing subsidies for their flight back according to him can be seen as an election offence, because it may be a form of paying the voters to vote.
“We have to look into it because we want to refraine from committing any offences when it comes to elections.
“Nonetheless, whoever emerge as the victor, which includes our party, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), we want to win it with honour,” Karim added. -TVS
