On PRM's intention to contest, Anwar said they will discuss the matter with PRM

Anwar Wants Constitution Amended Fast to Allow Use of Indelible Ink

by Haider Yutim

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 NOVEMBER, 2011: The Pakatan Rakyat leadership council today agreed to support the amendment of the Federal Constitution for the usage of indelible during the next General Election. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in 2008, the Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail claimed that in order to use indelible ink in the voting system an amendment must be made on the Federal Constitution. He said generally all other law practitioners do not agree with Abdul Gani's view. Nevertheless, he said Abdul Gani’s claim was intended as a trick by the AG to delay this process. Meanwhile, the Pakatan leadership council said they are ready to accept Abdul Gani’s claim as long as the necessary amendment is done immediately. "We suggest that the Attorney-General prepare an immediate draft to amend the said provisions... on condition that it would be tabled in Parliament immediately during this session so that it would not be a trick or excuse to delay or foil the plans of using indelible ink. "The Pakatan council through the leaderships of PAS, DAP and Keadilan, agree to support this amendment should it requires a two-thirds majority," said Anwar during a press conference after Pakatan's leadership council meeting in Parliament today. Anwar also urged that the committee and the government to take immediate steps to not delay the motion because if it is done next year, it would not bring any effect or meaning. Meanwhile, commenting on the intention of Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) to contest in three parliamentary seats, Anwar said they will discuss the matter with PRM if the party is willing to talk over it. "Yes, relevant parties... not necessarily me," said Anwar when asked on whether he will be the one to negotiate with PRM. During its 56th Birthday Celebration PRM President Dr Rohana Ariffin announced that her party will be contesting for parliamentary seats in Balik Pulau in Penang, Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selantan in Selangor. She said the list of its candidates for these three constituencies will be announced in the near future. The Pakatan council meeting also discussed about electoral roll, voting and the usage indelible ink.   - mD - Malaysian Digest, 15/11/2011, Anwar Wants Constitution Amended Fast to Allow Use of Indelible Ink