Harumaini contemplates legal action over Selangor Speaker’s decision

 

Harumaini Omar won the state seat, which he contested under the Pakatan Harapan banner, in the 14th general election. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Harumaini Omar of Pejuang, whose Batang Kali state seat was declared vacant today, says he is considering legal action over the decision made by Speaker Ng Suee Lim.

Sinar Harian reported that Harumaini was shocked to learn of the Speaker’s decision as he was not informed about it beforehand and only found out from friends and social media.

“I will consider taking legal action, we’ll see how it goes,” he said.

“But if I can’t take legal action, I’ll weigh my options. To me this is just technical, maybe if the person is on their side, they can backdate the letter and so on.

“This is a normal treatment against the opposition, it’s not a problem. If this is how it’s supposed to be, I accept that.”

Earlier today, Ng declared the Batang Kali state seat vacant after Harumaini failed to attend the state assembly sitting for more than six months.

Harumaini, however, did not explain why he had failed to attend the state assembly sitting for more than six months.

Harumaini won the state seat, which he contested under the Pakatan Harapan banner, in the 14th general election with a 8,315 majority. Harumaini was with Bersatu then.

Ng said Harumaini was last present at the state assembly on July 27, 2022 and the six-month period was calculated from the next day.

This means that Harumaini has lost his eligibility as an assemblyman and cannot attend the next sitting on March 13, Ng said.

However a by-election will not be called as Selangor is expected to hold state polls in the middle of the year.

Ng added that there was a similar case in 2011 when the Port Klang seat was declared vacant after Badrul Hisham Abdullah was absent for more than six months. - FMT