EC questioned over claims army officers registered in base still under construction

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition lawmakers are seeking a detailed explanation from the Election Commission (EC) and Defence Ministry over claims that army personnel were registered as voters in Segamat although the base is still under construction.
Jementah assemblymen Tan Chen Choon (pix) said he was shocked how the commission could allow the registration of some 1,051 army personnel to go through when the base those personnel are assigned to is only due for completion in April next year.
"EC and Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein must come clean as to why the registration is approved and that his ministry would assign those personnel to an incomplete base.
"Its unacceptable that these personnel were registered as voters in the constituency. Is there some manipulation going on to allow Barisan Nasional (BN) to gain victory in the constituency in the next general election or is it to show that they are afraid that the constituency might fall into our hands," Tan said during a press conference at the DAP headquarters today.
Tan then called for Segamat voters to come forward and assist them in voicing their objections to the commission as they have until Nov 6 to do so.
Commenting on the issue, Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong who was also present said the issue was of national significance as he felt that army camps are being built to ensure election victory for BN.
"We heard that there are two other camps being built in Johor for electoral purposes, one in Pagoh and another in Palor. Although the two might not be for electoral purposes, but there is significant proof of this in the Segamat camp.
"We really hope that EC and Hishammuddin or the relevant BN leaders could provide answers over the matter," Liew said.