The Malacca Election Court has issued arrest warrants against two witnesses who failed to turn up during today’s full trial of BN candidate Abdul Hakim Abdul Wahid’s petition challenging PN leader Mas Ermieyati Samsudin’s victory for the Masjid Tanah parliamentary seat in the 15th general election.
Abdul Hakim’s lawyer Amin Othman today informed the media that the arrest warrant targeted the petitioner’s two witnesses - namely Bersatu Youth (Armada) national chairperson Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir and Mas Ermieyati’s former chief private secretary, Noor Hashimah Noordin.
“Akmal was issued an arrest warrant over his failure to attend as a witness.
“He was ordered to be present at the Malacca Election High Court to testify over allegations that he (Akmal) had given inducement (sogokan) during the GE15 in Masjid Tanah.
“Election Court Judge Abu Bakar Katar issued the arrest warrant when Akmal failed to turn up at court for the hearing,” the lawyer said.
Video evidence
Amin explained that during the election court hearing, a video was tendered that allegedly showed Akmal handing a package containing money to voters in the constituency.
“Hashimah also had an arrest warrant issued against her by the same court for failing to turn up as a subpoenaed witness,” the lawyer said.
Amin added that the court had set Sept 11 for both witnesses to attend proceedings.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Mas Ermieyati’s counsel Mohd Faizi Che Abu confirmed what had transpired before the Election Court earlier today.
On Feb 7, Malacca Election Court Judge Anselm Charles Fernandis allowed a preliminary objection by Mas Ermieyati to strike out Abdul Hakim’s election petition.
However, on May 2, the Federal Court allowed Abdul Hakim’s appeal to reinstate the legal action, and ordered the petition be reverted to the lower court for full trial before a different judge, who is Abu Bakar. - Mkini
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