KUALA KUBU BAHARU – It is strange for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to consider filing a petition to challenge the by-election results here days before polling day, seemingly assuming its candidate will lose the race.
Law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that while PN has the right to file a petition, doing so only points to its lack of confidence.
“The issue is that nothing has happened yet, and they (already) want to file a petition. I find it weird, it is as if (they) know they are losing,” she told reporters at Kg Orang Asli Tun Abdul Razak, here today.
“If PN were to win, would they still file the petition? (We) cannot do such threats. Maybe they have their own reasons, but it is their right.”
She was responding to PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement that the opposition would file an election petition to challenge the result of the by-election if Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Pang Sock Tao wins.
Takiyuddin claimed PN had evidence that the government machinery was being abused to induce voters to support Pang.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke refuted PAS’ claims, questioning whether Takiyuddin already anticipated PN’s loss in the poll.
Whether the unity government would file its own petition, Azalina said all parties must respect the voters’ decision for their representative.
“If we interfere with the democratic process of elections by giving finances to voters, it is unprofessional and unfair.
“The voters will demand from the representative they voted for, and the demand would be to serve them.”
Polling day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat is set for tomorrow, May 11. It was vacated following the death of assemblywoman Lee Kee Hiong in March.
Four candidates are vying to secure the state seat, including Pang Sock Tao (PH), Khairul Azhari Saut (PN), Hafizah Zainudin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia), and Nyau Ke Xin (independent). – May 10, 2024