The parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform will recommend that a special committee be formed to scrutinise the electoral database, said PSC chief Maximus Ongkili.

“We are studying a mechanism that we are proposing for continuous checks... (it is an) open system (where) political parties can assist the Election Commission (EC) inspect the electoral roll,” he told reporters after chairing the committee’s 12th meeting today.

NONEMaximus (left) was responding to queries on accusations that there are 79,098 voters registered in 354 addresses with at least 100 voters in each.

Anthony Loke (DAP-Rasah) later explained that the “open system” is basically a move to set up a “permanent committee” the monitor the voters’ database, which has always been kept as secret.

Earlier today at a press conference, opposition lawmakers on the committee distributed copies of Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (Mimos) papers where the defects in the electoral database were exposed.

Maximus added that the PSC will meet again on Thursday and next Tuesday to finalise the topics to be included in its final report which must be submitted to the Dewan Rakyat by Apr 2, when the committee’s term expires.

“All public input and feedback via letters and the six nationwide hearings will be considered... but there were hundreds of suggestions, so we have to summarise them into some main topics,” he said.

The committee had tabled its preliminary report in December recommending 10 proposals, including allowing all Malaysians staying overseas to vote, which Maximus said the EC is currently finalising.

On Feb 15, regulations on the use of indelible ink in the general election was gazetted.