We’ll look seriously into reasons for Rantau decision, says EC

EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun says the commission will study all the facts of the Rantau case. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) says it will give serious attention to the findings of facts in the decision to allow the petition on the Rantau state seat.

Its chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said although the grounds of the judgment had yet to be given, the commission would study all the facts, especially the breakdown of duties and breach of election laws and regulations on the nomination day.

He said as the agency entrusted to hold and regulate elections, the EC was determined to ensure compliance with all provisions of the election laws and regulations as well as good election practices that are on par with universal standards.

“Therefore, the EC will not tolerate any breach of election laws or regulations by any parties, especially by its workers.

“However, the EC accepts that it has the responsibility to equip all election staff with information and knowledge on election laws and regulations,” he said in a statement here today.

Azhar said the EC would make follow-up or additional statements, if necessary, after obtaining the grounds of the judgment.

“This preliminary statement is issued without prejudice of the EC’s right to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision if it is appropriate and necessary,” he said.

He also said that the EC would strive to ensure its staff understand and abide by the provisions of the election laws and regulations.

“For that, a study will be conducted to evaluate whether there are weaknesses in the training programme for EC workers, and if necessary, action will be taken to improve the quality of the training programme,” he said.

As part of the agenda to improve the election process in future, Azhar said, the EC would also review provisions in the election laws and regulations to ensure better clarity and to avoid any mistakes in interpreting them.

Azhar said the EC was grateful to its staff who had sacrificed their time and energy in fulfilling their duties to the country.

“The EC is confident they will continue to give their best for the country,” he added.

Last Friday, the Election Court allowed a petition filed by Dr Streram Sinnasamy to disqualify Mohamad Hasan as the Rantau assemblyman.

Mohamad, who is Umno deputy president, won the seat unopposed after Streram was prohibited from entering the nomination centre on April 28 because he did not have a pass issued by the EC. - FMT