PUTRAJAYA: The National Fatwa Committee yesterday decided that the use of indelible ink in the 13th general election is allowable and should be implemented.
Its chairman, Prof Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said the decision was made based on three criteria, namely, the ink is not unclean, not hazardous and permeable.
“The ink if applied to Muslims can absorb water and does not pose any problem in performing prayers,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting on the matter, here yesterday.
The meeting, held at the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), was attended by representatives from the Election Commission (EC), Chemistry Department, Health Ministry and the muftis.
In December, the EC announced that the ‘silver nitrate’ permanent ink would be used for the 13th general election.
Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili in his reaction had welcomed the Fatwa council decision.
“With this decision, the EC can now proceed with the necessary preparation for the use of the indelible ink during the forthcoming election,” he said. — Bernama