Former Home Ministry secretary-general Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof today clocked in as the new Election Commission chairman replacing Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman who retired yesterday.

Abdul Aziz, 58, arrived at the Election Commission office at about 10.15am where he was welcomed by deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar and newly-appointed secretary Ngah Senik.

The new EC chairman, when met by journalists, said he would seek to further improve the commission's functions.

"This includes coordination with relevant agencies like the National Registration Department (NRD) and the police, along with (government printer) Percetakan Nasional Berhad.

“Maybe I will have forums with political parties to get their views on improving the Election Commission further,” said Abdul Aziz.

spr chairman abdul aziz 311208 1The newly-minted chief will receive an extensive briefing today from his deputy, Wan Ahmad, who has served as the commission’s secretary.

Abdul Aziz said unlike his predecessor, Abdul Rashid, who had helm the commission for many years, he was new to the job and would relish the challenge.

However, he is not going to get any honeymoon in his new job as his first test will be the Kuala Terengganu by-election in less than three weeks.

"It would be a challenge which I am looking forward... certainly, the Kuala Terengganu by-election will be my first experience. I will be going there myself to ensure the smooth running of the by-election," he said.

Abdul Aziz said the EC had done a good job in preparing for the by-election, with the nomination day slated on Jan 6 and polling on Jan 17.

Asked whether the commission was prepared to implement automatic voter registration, the new EC chairman said the proposal required careful study.

"I think it is also against human rights to force someone to be a voter. However, this matter would require detailed study as EC will have to study all the implications," he said.

Is KT electoral roll clean?

Questioned as to claims by certain quarters that the Kuala Terengganu electoral roll is not clean, Abdul Aziz said the commission relied on the NRD to inform the EC about the death of voters.

An NGO, the Persatuan Anak-Anak Terengganu, has claimed there were 75 voters above the age of 100, including one who is aged 116, in the electoral roll.

The association had questioned why those who have passed away remain on the list.

Abdul Aziz pointed out the NRD, when he was the secretary-general, had came up with a standardised form for burial permits and the next of kin would need submit it to NRD before a burial permit is issued.

"With this move, we hope the NRD could function better and the EC would also work together with the department to remove the deceased from the electoral roll. At the same time, it is also the next of kin's responsibility to inform the commission over the death of their relative," he said.

Meanwhile, Wan Ahmad claimed the Kuala Terengganu by-election electoral roll was clean.

"The Dec 4 electoral rolls is being used in this by-election, which is the latest we can get since (incumbent MP) Razali Ismail passed away on Nov 28.

"This is the latest updated list we have. There could be some who had passed away since but the number may not be many," he said.

Wan Ahmad ticked off those who questioned the electoral rolls as it could tarnish the image of the commission.