KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu’s Muhammad Hilman Idham remains Gombak Setia assemblyman after the Ipoh High Court dismissed the election petition filed by registered voter Mohd Shaffie Omar.
This came after judge Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed ruled on this today.
The Gombak Setia state seat was secured by Hilman in the August state election with a slim majority of 58 votes.
Shortly after the court’s decision was delivered, Hilman said in a statement that the “slanderous” and “malicious” petition was aimed at destroying his credibility and reputation.
“This petition is also an attempt to betray the mandate that has been given to me by the Gombak Setia voters. Today’s decision has legitimised the mandate of voters who chose Perikatan Nasional.
“I have discussed with the legal team to take action against irresponsible parties who defamed me and tried to undermine democracy. These individuals have been identified for further action.”
Shaffie had alleged that an inducement of RM150 was distributed to voters at the Sinamax Sports Complex and Kg Sg Chinchin.
Hilman garnered 30,299 votes to defeat his two challengers – Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin from Barisan Nasional with 30,241 votes, and independent candidate Mohamed Salim Mohamed Ali with 1,076 votes.
Megat had previously indicated he was considering submitting a petition to protest against the decision. – December 11, 2023