EC to hold by-election for Rantau within 60 days

The Election Commission will hold a by-election for the Negeri Sembilan seat of Rantau within 60 days from today, EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun said today.

Azhar said the EC had already received confirmation from the Federal Court Registrar’s Office under Section 36(3) (a) of the Election Offences Act 1954 declaring the election result for the Rantau state seat as null and void.

“In line with Article LVI(5) laws on the formation of the Negeri Sembilan Government 1959, the EC will fill the vacant seat within 60 days from today,” he said in a statement, adding that an official notification would be sent to the Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly speaker today.

Azhar said the EC would hold a special meeting to set a date for the by-election.

In the 14th general election last year, Mohamad Hasan won uncontested when his rival Dr S Streram was barred from entering the nomination centre for not having a pass issued by the EC.

On May 23 last year, Streram filed a petition to have Mohamad’s victory be declared as invalid.

In the petition, he named the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, Rembau returning officer Amino Agus Suyub and the EC as defendants.

On Feb 16, the Election Court declared the win by Mohamad null and void.

Election Court judge Azimah Omar in her judgment said there was no election law stating the need for a pass for the candidates, proposers and supporters to submit nomination forms.

- Bernama