EC deputy chief: 8 sets of nomination forms sold
REMBAU: The Rantau by-election may end up seeing a multi-cornered contest between the Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and independent candidates.
This was indicated by Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Dr Azmi Sharom, when he said eight sets of nomination forms had been purchased.
“One set was bought by BN, another by PH and the remaining forms were sold to independent candidates,” he said yesterday.
It was reported that Amanah member Tandiko Dalusin and PKR member Hazan Khalid had expressed interest in contesting the by-election and had purchased the nomination forms.
Azmi said EC was expecting a 70 per cent voter turnout on polling day, on April 13.
He urged people to lodge reports following claims that one of the potential candidates had hosted a “jamuan” here recently.
Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954 states that it is an election offence to provide food, drinks, refreshment, provision, money, ticket or any other means for the purpose of corruptly influencing any person to vote at an election.
Azmi advised candidates to abide by the law throughout the two-week campaigning period.
“Candidates from political parties have legal advisers. Please check what is the law and adhere to it.
“I advise supporters of parties to be patient and not cause trouble.”
He said 300 police officers would be stationed at the nomination centre today.
Azmi was referring to an altercation between Barisan Nasional supporters and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman during the Semenyih by-election nomination on Feb 16.
The Rantau by-election will be held on April 13, with nomination on March 30 and early voting on April 9.
Campaigning will stretch for 14 days, from March 30 to April 12.
Seremban Land and Mines Office district officer Mohd Nizam Tajul Arus has been appointed as the returning office.