The Malaysian Insight

ANWAR Ibrahim is still a candidate in the Port Dickson by-election despite a voter’s legal challenge against him, said the Election Commission.

Chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said the PKR president-elect is a legitimate candidate as far as the EC is concerned, and any action by the courts arising from the summons is a separate matter.

“I think this horse has been beaten to death. We have accepted Anwar’s nomination based on the pardon by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“As it is, Anwar is a candidate, and he is running in the by-election,” Azhar told a press conference today after a visit to the Army Basic Training Centre, where early voting is being held.

Port Dickson voter Noraziah Mohd Shariff on September 29 filed an originating summons against Anwar and the Federal Territories Pardons Board, challenging his eligibility to contest the by-election.

She said the royal pardon issued to Anwar does not qualify him to stand in the polls, following his sodomy conviction.

Azhar said the matter has been set for case management at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

He said the EC will decide on Anwar’s status after the court gives its verdict.

“Of course we are aware that there is legal action going on. It is up to the judge to make the decision now.

“I cannot pre-empt that by telling you what we want to do if the judge decides one way or another.”

The EC chief said there is no issue with independent candidate Stevie Chan lodging a police report against Anwar for alleged bribery during the campaign period.

“It is within Stevie’s right as a candidate and citizen to lodge a report. As we do not have any personal knowledge of the matter, let police investigate.”

He added that Chan’s move is good for democracy, as it forces candidates to be more transparent.

The independent candidate lodged the report yesterday against Anwar for promising voters a five-star hotel, a free online education programme and a deal with AirAsia should he win the by-election, to be held on Saturday. – October 9, 2018.