KUALA KUBU BAHARU: Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh has expressed his hope that his successor will uphold the commission's integrity as he prepares to conclude his service after serving since 2020.

Abdul Ghani announced his impending retirement, scheduled for May 9, after serving the commission for several years.

"I will end my service in two days, on May 9, and will retire at the age of 66. With this, I hope the new chairman can carry out the commission's tasks well, independently and manage our focus well," he told reporters during a visit to Maktab Polis Diraja Malaysia for early voting, today.

Abdul Ghani was appointed as EC chairman in 2020. He was previously the EC secretary and served as Kuala Langat district council chairman and Gombak district officer.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had consented to Abdul Ghani's appointment until he turned 66, in line with Clause (3) Article 114 of the Federal Constitution.

Meanwhile, commenting on the early voting process today, Abdul Ghani said the voter turnout was impressive as it reached 73 per cent at 11am, today.

"The turnout is encouraging and we hope this early voting can achieve a high percentage.

"Secondly, we want to remind the people to campaign well and not to violate the rules, especially matters involving the 3R (Royal, Religion and Race) or touching on personal matters."

A total of 863 police and military personnel are set to cast their ballots in early voting for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, today.

The early voting for the constituency will see 624 police personnel and 238 military personnel alongside their spouses at two early voting centres with three polling streams.

The by-election taking place on May 11 will see a four-corner fight against Pakatan Harapan's (PH) Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan Nasional's Khairul Azhari Saut, Parti Rakyat Malaysia's Hafizah Zainuddin and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1047359/ec-chairman-retire-hopes-successor-will-continue-uphold-integrity