THE Election Reform Committee (ERC) is studying the European Union’s voting practices to boost the system used in Malaysia.

Election Commission chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said the ERC, headed by Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, is looking into the system in place in EU nations that leans towards proportionate representation.

“The system we have in place is the first-past-the-post system.

“We see that EU countries are moving towards more proportionate representation, and this method is being looked into, not by the EC, but by the ERC,” he told the BFM radio station today.

He said the ERC is “seriously” studying the model used in Germany and some other European countries.

He was replying to a question by a listener, who asked if the EC has plans to reform Malaysia’s voting system.

To another listener’s suggestion that he take a tougher stand as EC chairman, Azhar said he has been “tough enough”, and has made it clear to political parties on what they can and cannot do.

“Within the powers that I have, I think I have exercised everything that I can. Of course, if the people think more power should be given to the EC, I wouldn’t say I welcome it, but if it’s given, we will execute that power in accordance with the law to be passed for that purpose.

“I think in that respect, the ERC is also looking into whether the EC should be given the power to investigate, prosecute and impose fines on offenders. So that is being looked into.” – March 11, 2019.