The Malaysian Insight

PAS may consider not challenging the High Court decision nullifying its Kuala Terengganu federal seat win, a party insider said.

The party has 14 days from June 27 to file an appeal to the Federal Court, failing which a by-election will be called.

The source said a group of PAS members is pushing for the appeal to show that the party was not involved in corrupt practices as the verdict suggested.

Another bloc wants a by-election to be held quickly because they want to claim back the seat while voter sentiment remain positive, said the source.

“If the by-election is held immediately, it will give PAS an advantage because its supporters are angry with the decision to nullify the victory,” he said.

“There are many factors that are being considered, including the possibility that the Federal Court may not favour PAS in its ruling.”

At the same time, said the source, PAS has to weigh the fact that it would be up against resources of the federal government in a by-election.

The source added that the situation would be different if the by-election was held concurrently with the state elections. Terengganu is a PAS stronghold.

PAS’ Ahmad Amzad Hashim won the Kuala Terengganu seat last year by 40,907 votes.

Last week, the Kuala Terengganu High Court declared the victory null and void after finding corruption in the campaign to influence voters.

Judge Mohd Firuz Jaffril said the petitioner, Mohd Zubir, had proved beyond reasonable doubt that there was bribery in the election campaign.

He said even though the petitioner was not called as a witness, there was enough evidence to void the Kuala Terengganu results under section 36 of the Election Offences Act.
– July 4, 2023.