DAP admits tally errors

PETALING JAYA: The DAP has admitted to an error in the tabulation of votes during the recent party election.

In the amended results, Zairil Khir Johari, who was initially in 39th position, has now been bumped up to 20 earning the last elected position in the central executive committee (CEC).

Vincent Wu, who was initially announced to have secured the sixth spot with 1,202 votes, has dropped to the 26th spot as the party claimed he had actually clinched only 669 votes.

Zairil, who was was earlier said to have garnered 305 votes, had actually gained 803 votes, putting him in 20th position.

In response, Zairil tweeted that he was still in shock.

Replying to messages sent to him on Twitter, Zairil said: “Incredible turn of events. Am still shocked myself. Made it in.'”

DAP election director Pooi Weng Keong said they made the amendments following internal and external auditing.

Pooi said the error was caused by a technical glitch when the results were transferred using Microsoft Excel.

“The error resulted in candidates who had clinched the 31st to 38th positions and those who had clinched the 61st to 68th positions being given the same number of votes,'' he said, adding that party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had been informed.

He said the party carried out internal auditing led by Dr Ong Kian Ming, and appointed external auditor TCMK Associated Chartered Accountants.

“We have made the necessary amendment,'' said Pooi.

DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua said the CEC had during the meeting last night endorsed Zairil as an elected CEC member.

Wu was appointed a CEC member and allowed to remain as assistant national organising secretary.

An organising committee member of the 16th party congress, however, said the results announced on Dec 17 should have remained.

“Nobody disputed it then. I do not understand why there was a need to make an amendment,'' said the member who spoke on condition of anonymity.