EC chief apologises to Kelantan ‘outside voters’ over nightclub jibe

The Election Commission (EC) chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun has apologised to Kelantan voters over his comments involving outside voters in the state.

Though he did not specify which comments he was referring to, it is believed to refer to his earlier remarks that Kelantanese in Kuala Lumpur were 'kaki kelab malam' (those who frequent nightclubs).

Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob jumped on the statement, calling it an insult to everyone from the state.

"As the EC chairperson, I humbly apologise to the outside voters of Kelantan about the statement published by the media in relation to the issue involving outside voters of Kelantan.

"As the EC chairperson, I will carry out my services following the legislation to ensure that election matters are handled in a clean, transparent, fair manner with integrity," Azhar said in a statement today.

Last month, Azhar was reported as saying it would be difficult to implement automatic voter registration by the next election as the Federal Constitution allows a voter to vote wherever they are registered under even though they may be living elsewhere currently.

Due to this, he reportedly said, as many as 60,000 Kelantanese return to the state to support hudud even though they spend the rest of their time in Kuala Lumpur going to 'night clubs'.