He added that both the NRD and Immigration Department were almost fully computerised and their databases had all the information needed by. the EC, including the complete list of Malaysians who had died.

"Since the EC is facing problems in cleaning up the electoral roll on its own and needs the assistance and co-operation of agencies such as the NRD and Immigration Department it would be better if they are connected online."

Aseh was asked to comment on the statement by EC Chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman that the commission was in no position to clean up the electoral roll on its own.

He was reported as saying that as long as there was no co-operation from government agencies and the public the roll would continue to contain names of non-citizens and phantom voters.

Abdul Rashid said the only effective way to clean up the roll was for relevant agencies like the National Registration Department, Immigration Department, courts, police and hospitals to join hands.

Aseh was speaking to reporters after attending the official opening of the Penor Prison, here, by the Sultan of Pahang. Also present were the Sultanah of Pahang, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Prisons Department director-general Datuk Omar Mohamed Dan, Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Aminuddin Ishak and State Executive Council members.

Aseh added that both the NRD and Immigration Department were ready for the system to be implemented, but the EC must also be prepared for it.

"We would be meeting the people from the EC to further discuss the implementation of the on-line system... we are prepared for this and only waiting to be connected."