KUALA LUMPUR – The country is expected to see yet another by-election, this time in Kelantan after a Bersatu assemblyman was booted from his party.
The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting on June 28 to discuss the by-election for the vacant Nenggiri state seat.
In a statement, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said that a press conference will follow the special meeting.
Ikmalrudin noted that the commission received an official notice from Kelantan Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah regarding the seat’s vacancy.
The vacancy occurred after incumbent assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim was removed from Bersatu, effective June 13.
According to Clause 3 of Article 31A of the state constitution, the vacancy must be filled within 60 days from the date the EC received the notice.
Earlier today, Azizi, who is also the Gua Musang MP, announced his intention to seek an injunction against the Kelantan assembly for stripping him of his seat.
Bersatu issued termination notices to party defectors who declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, citing non-compliance.
On June 12, Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that he would notify Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, as well as the Selangor and Kelantan speakers, about the status of the seven representatives.
Previously, six Bersatu MPs and one state assemblyman had their party memberships revoked for not responding to a directive from the party’s supreme leadership council to pledge allegiance to the party.
Besides Azizi, the affected representatives are Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang MP), Zahari Kechik (Jeli MP), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar MP), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan MP), and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang MP). The other state assemblyman affected is Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari (Selat Klang). – June 19, 2024