PKR has accused Election Commission (EC) chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar of being Umno members.

Malay language daily Sinar Harian today in its front page report quoted PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution challenging the duo to deny the allegation.

NONESaifuddin (left) said that the EC’s neutrality is at stake as those on the panel should not be members of political parties so that they can perform their duties independently and are able to act without bias to any party.

He said that he had “solid evidence” to back his claims on the duo’s Umno membership.

“I know (Abdul) Aziz is an Umno member, his division, and his membership number. It’s the one and only EC in the world where both the chairperson and deputy are officially politicians who can contest in elections,” hit out Saifuddin.

 “They should give up (their Umno membership), there shouldn’t be even an ounce of prejudice and bias that the EC is in favour of any political party,” he was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with the daily yesterday.

Unless Abdul Aziz and Wan Ahmad deny the allegations by the end of the day, Saifuddin threatened to reveal the Umno divisions where the duo are members.

azlanSaifuddin said that they should have let go of their membership immediately after being entrusted to head the commission, stressing that that the EC should only prioritise the needs of the people.

He pointed out that Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia had resigned as the Kota Marudu Umno chief when the latter was appointed to the post.

“The positions (of the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the EC) are not a political appointment, the Agong appoints them (but) they are still valid Umno members, I want them to deny (it if it isn’t true),” said Saifuddin.

Abdul Aziz took over from Ab Rashid Ab Rahman as the EC chief at the end of 2008 after the 12th general election in March that year, while Wan Ahmad was appointed in 2007.