Court dismisses PH's petition, BN retains Jasin seat

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the 14th general election (GE14) Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah retained his Jasin seat after the High Court here dismissed the election petition by Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan today.

Judge ​​​​​​​Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali made the decision after allowing the preliminary objection by Ahmad, returning officer Zamrud Yahya and the Election Commission as the first, second and third respondents named in the petition filed by ​​​​​​​Khairuddin.

The judge said the preliminary objection by Ahmad had merit, while the petition failed to comply with the basic requirements as stipulated under Article 118 of the Federal Constitution.

The court also ordered the petitioner to pay cost of RM20,000 to the first respondent, and RM5,000 each to the second and third respondents.

On June 14, Khairuddin filed the the election petition under Section 34(C) of the Election Offences Act 1954 to seek a declaration that the result of the GE14 for Jasin parliamentary seat was null and void, claiming that the BN politician was unlawfully elected and that a fresh election should be held.

Meanwhile, Khairuddin in a media statement, said that he respected and accepted the court’s decision with an open heart.

“Whatever the decision is, I will continue acting as the PH coordinator for Jasin parliamentary constituency and I will continue serving the constituents, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs,” he said.

-- BERNAMA