POLITICS: PORT DICKSON- Anwar is free and eligible to contest in PD: EC Chairman

Election Commission Chairman Azhar Azizan Harun (C) visiting the Pusat Latihan Asas Tentera Darat (Pusasda) early voting station for the Port Dickson by-election on Oct 9, 2018. — Bernama

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PORT DICKSON: The Election Commission (EC) has maintained its stand that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was free and eligible to contest in the Port Dickson by-election, despite a protest by PAS.

Its chairman Azhar Azizan Harun said he understood that the matter regarding Anwar’s candidacy has been filed in court and that it was now up to the judges to decide the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate’s status.

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“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.

“Of course we are aware there is a legal action going on, so it is up to the judges to make any decision now. I cannot pre-empt that by telling you what we want to do if the judge decides this way or another

“As it is, Anwar is a candidate and he is running in the by-election,” he told reporters after visiting the Pusat Latihan Asas Tentera Darat (Pusasda) for early voting, here, today.

PAS had on a number of occasions during campaigning argued that Anwar’s candidacy was invalid as he had only obtained a full pardon by the King, and not a free a pardon, which the party had claimed was necessary to allow a former convict to contest.

An originating motion has also been filed by one of the registered voters here at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, but a decision has yet to be made.

Commenting on the matter, Azhar said it has been fixed for case management before the judge in KL today.

On independent candidate Stevie Chan Keng Leong’s police report against Anwar for alleged electoral bribery during campaigning, Azhar said it was his right to do so and that the EC would let the police to conduct their probe.

“Stevie is within his right as a candidate and citizen to lodge a report. As it is we do not have any personal knowledge, let police investigate.

“Voters and candidates are being more aware, which is a good thing for democracy. But let the proper authority to investigate,” he said.

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