CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Election Commission (EC) needs more power to act on election violations and the people – through their MPs – hold the key to tackle it, says its chairman Azhar Azizan Harun (pic).

He said that any individual, who wants the EC to do more like investigating or arresting, must ask the MPs to pass a new law.

“The current law does not allow us to do so and it is the responsibility of the MPs to amend the law.

“When the law gives me power, I will do it as it’s my responsibility.

“For now, just lodge a report and let the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigate and take action,” he said after visiting the polling station at the Cameron Highlands district police station in Brinchang yesterday.

Azhar said it was only with a change to the law that the EC would have the authority to take action.

He was asked to comment on the claim that the EC was turning a blind eye over violations that occurred during the by-election, including alleged misuse of government vehicles as well as cash handouts.

Azhar stressed he could not take further action as there was nothing within the law that gave him the power to do so.

“I have given information to the police and the MACC, given advice, issued warnings and signed the ‘aku janji’ (pledge) with all parties.That’s all I can do.

“We need to allow investigations to take place to see whether there is a case and make sure the facts are correct,” he said.

“It’s not easy to haul people to court. That’s just how the Common­wealth system is.

“People cannot expect me to do things that are not under my jurisdiction. I could be arrested by the police,” he said.

On another matter, Azhar said the EC would not extend the polling hours in certain District Voting Centres, especially in the orang asli settlements due to security factors and logistic challenges.

“The security factor is important because the commission has to use a helicopter to transport the ballot papers to and from some areas which are difficult to access.

“We will not extend them because this is a question of security, and from a logistics point of view, it is dangerous because we are using helicopters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the overall situation of the by-election had been peaceful and organised.

“Police have received about a dozen reports during the campaign period up to now but most are related to election and graft offences,” he said in Kota Kinabalu.

Mohamad Fuzi said 1,300 police personnel were being tasked to monitor the by-election process up to polling day.