KUALA LUMPUR (May 8): Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today emphasised the transparency of the election system in Malaysia, saying it upheld the principles of integrity embodied in every democracy.

The Prime Minister said that apart from the Election Commission officers and staff who would carry out their duties in the 14th general election tomorrow, groups of volunteers comprising the representatives of the candidates or contesting parties would act as the polling agents and counting agents (PACA). 

“They (PACA) will be the eyes and ears of the candidates, observing every election process from the beginning to the end, from ensuring that empty ballot boxes are used before voting begins, the process of voting and the process of counting the votes.

“They are given a copy of the electoral rolls to enable them to verify the identity of every voter, and every ballot paper will be shown to them during the counting process. That’s their role in ensuring the transparency of the election process,” he said in his latest post, entitled ‘Transparency in the Election Process’ in his blog, NajibRazak.com.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, said that it was for this reason that political parties in the country looked for volunteers to act as the PACA so that their party’s interests were not neglected or there was no element of fraud.

“The day that Malaysia goes to the polls is close and I see many getting excited to fulfill their responsibility as voters.

“My advice to all the PACA volunteers, regardless of the party they represent, is to discharge their duty with prudence and responsibility. Regard this as a service to the nation. Get the job done well!” he said.

Najib said further details on the transparency of the election process could be obtained by surfing http://undinegaraku.com/ketelusan.html.