Rantau PKR candidate sues EC, returning officer
KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Streram Sinnasamy ( pix) has filed a suit for misfeasance against the Election Commission (EC) and returning officer Amino Agos Suyub for failing to accept his nomination papers for the Rantau seat in Negri Sembilan.
Streram was stopped from filing his nomination papers on April 28 as he did not have an EC pass, and caretaker Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was returned unopposed.
The suit, which was filed through lawyer Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla, said the defendants had failed to carry out their responsibilities under Election Act 1958.
Misfeasance is a failure to discharge public obligations existing by common law, custom or statute.
Streram is seeking RM5 million in general damages, RM2.6 million in exemplary damages, and other relief deemed fit by the court.
He said there was no legal requirement to have passes to enter the centre and the EC did not inform him about it when he collected the nomination form and later when he paid his deposit.
The voters in Rantau have been denied the choice to cast their ballots, he said in the statement of claim filed yesterday. – by Vathani Panirchellvum
PETALING JAYA: It will be a “clash of the titans” when caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak addresses the nation via a live TV telecast at the same time that Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gives an internet livebroadcast ceramah tonight. Najib’s address will be beamed live on TV3, TV2, Astro Awani, HyppTV and Bernama TV from 1 0 p m, whil e Mahathir’s speech at Dewan Ho Peng in Langkawi will be livestreamed on social media. As the fight for hearts and minds enters its last lap before the nation goes to poll tomorrow, both leaders will be pitching their last attempt to sway fence-sitters and reaffirm the
backing of their supporters.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said Mahathir’s mega-ceramah aims to reach some 10 million voters nationwide.
“At the same time, ceramah will be held at all 222 parliamentary constituencies. At 10pm, all the ceramah will be halted to make way for Mahathir’s special address,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure that Mahathir’s live stream address in not interrupted.
Amid all that, the Langkawi Development Board and the Finance Ministry have also organised a megaconcert at Dataran Lang in Langkawi, starting at 8pm.
Among the artistes scheduled to perform are Datuk Ramli Sarip, Datuk D.J. Dave, Joe Flizzow, Ruffedge, Ayda Jebat, Syamel, Ernie Zakri, Zahirah Macwilson and Achey Bocey.
The line-up covers a wide genre of music, meaning the concert aims to cater to those from all walks of life on the island, where some 40,000 of an estimated 80,000 population are registered voters.
The concert, which could upstage Mahathir’s event, will also have a fireworks display and a lucky draw with attractive prizes such as motorcycles, smartphones and PlayStation sets.
Langkawi PKR deputy head A. Gunasegaran said the concert was illtimed as it would clash with Mahathir event, adding that it was “too much of a coincidence”.
“We are using technology to maximise our reach. Our opponent is trying to counter this with entertainment.
“Politics is a serious affair. It is not something to (mix with) entertainment. Voter should be allowed to make an informed choice,” he said.