EC does not rule out simultaneous by-elections
Published: Feb 12, 2009 4:33 AM | Updated: Feb 12, 2009 8:08 AM
The Election Commission (EC) has not dismissed the possibility of holding the by-elections for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat in Perak and Bukit Selambau state assembly seat in Kedah simultaneously.
The Election Commission (EC) has not dismissed the possibility of holding the by-elections for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat in Perak and Bukit Selambau state assembly seat in Kedah simultaneously.
EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said a decision was expected on the matter after a special meeting held tomorrow to discuss and study documents related to the vacancy for both seats.
He added that the Federal Constitution stated that a by-election can only be held once the EC was satisfied that a state assembly seat or parliamentary seat was lawfully vacant.
"For the Bukit Gantang seat...since the MP has passed away, it is definitely vacant but Bukit Selambau is a different issue and we need to gather detailed information and documents to make a decision.
"If we can establish that the Bukit Selambau seat is vacant, we will go ahead with the by-election. If the seat is not vacant, then the elected representative will remain," Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of PAS MP Roslan Shaharum on Monday, due to a heart attack, while Bukit Selambau state assemblyperson V Arumugam from PKR was said to have tendered his resignation on Sunday.
Look into various perspectives
Abdul Aziz said the EC cannot just accept the Kedah state assembly speaker's statement that a vacancy existed for the Bukit Selambau state seat and go ahead with a by-election.
"We have to look at the issue from various perspective and not just make a decision based on assumption or because somebody had asked to do so.
"The EC will dispense its duties professionally based on the procedures, information and according to the law," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking of the Kuala Terengganu by-election that was held without any hitches or glitches, Abdul Aziz said the smooth election process received praise from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
"Tuanku Mizan was satisfied with the incident-free by-election for the Kuala Terengganu Parliamentary seat," he said.
EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said a decision was expected on the matter after a special meeting held tomorrow to discuss and study documents related to the vacancy for both seats.He added that the Federal Constitution stated that a by-election can only be held once the EC was satisfied that a state assembly seat or parliamentary seat was lawfully vacant.
"For the Bukit Gantang seat...since the MP has passed away, it is definitely vacant but Bukit Selambau is a different issue and we need to gather detailed information and documents to make a decision.
"If we can establish that the Bukit Selambau seat is vacant, we will go ahead with the by-election. If the seat is not vacant, then the elected representative will remain," Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of PAS MP Roslan Shaharum on Monday, due to a heart attack, while Bukit Selambau state assemblyperson V Arumugam from PKR was said to have tendered his resignation on Sunday.
Look into various perspectives
Abdul Aziz said the EC cannot just accept the Kedah state assembly speaker's statement that a vacancy existed for the Bukit Selambau state seat and go ahead with a by-election.
"We have to look at the issue from various perspective and not just make a decision based on assumption or because somebody had asked to do so.
"The EC will dispense its duties professionally based on the procedures, information and according to the law," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking of the Kuala Terengganu by-election that was held without any hitches or glitches, Abdul Aziz said the smooth election process received praise from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
"Tuanku Mizan was satisfied with the incident-free by-election for the Kuala Terengganu Parliamentary seat," he said.
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