THE Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on electoral reforms will look into a recommendation that a bar code be used to replace the serial number on ballot papers.
PSC chairman Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said he would bring up the matter at the committee's next meeting.
"The bar code system will allow the authorities to monitor the handing out of ballot papers and to detect irregularities.
"If there is an extra ballot paper, you can trace where it came from with the bar code. Without a bar code, it is hard to say where it came from," he said here yesterday.
Bukit Panau assemblyman Datuk Abdul Fattah Mahmood suggested on Saturday that the serial numbers on the ballot papers be abolished.
Election Commission deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said there was no need to use a bar code, as the serial number was sufficient to guarantee the secrecy of the vote.
PSC panel member Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said there was a misconception that using the serial number system would expose voters' choice.
"The system is working as it is. It will be a waste of time to change it. We will consider other improvements, such as the use of indelible ink." He said there was no need to improve the serial number method.
Earlier, Ongkili, who is also science, technology and innovation minister, witnessed the signing of an agreement between Nanning TV, China, and Jia Yu Channel, Malaysia, to expand their collaboration in TV productions.
The two companies ventured into animation production with Borneo HeadHunter, which will be released during the China-Asean Expo in China in October.
Ongkili said he was optimistic the partnership would open up more opportunities for collaboration and enable Malaysia's content industry to penetrate China's market.
As Malaysia's content industry had started to gain international recognition, he said, local industry players should tap bigger market segments, especially the Asian market. Additional reporting by Iqa Halim.
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