THE Election Commission wants enforcement powers to take action against election offences, said its chairman Azhar Azizan Harun, who also urged Putrajaya to amend the laws for that to happen.

“If the people want the EC to carry out enforcement, then give us more power and amend the Act in Parliament in order to curb repeated offences.

“When we make a report, we leave it to the authorities to investigate. If we want more, then we have to change the law. This is not my job. It’s the job of the lawmakers.

“If they want the laws to be changed, then they have to ask their MPs to bring a motion for those laws to be passed,” he said after visiting the Brinchang police station to check on early polling today.

Seventeen police reports on election offences have been lodged thus far during the Cameron Highlands by-election campaign.

Yesterday, district police chief Ashari Abu Samah said police are investigating four issues, namely bribery, damaged tents, a matter concerning ballot papers that has gone viral and the flag-tearing incident in Sg Koyan.

Azhar said there are currently no such laws or provisions allowing the EC to take action.

“If at all I’m given the power to carry out enforcement then I will do it.

“Now, I’m only doing what I can based on what the law permits,” he said, adding that any action outside the scope of the law is illegal.

“We have done everything to the best of our abilities within the powers that is given to the commission, such as giving information to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.

“I have also given advice and issued warnings and the candidates who have signed election pledges. That’s all that we can do,” he said.

Azhar also said a turnout of 70% is expected for early polling today. – January 22, 2019.