EC chairman refutes Pas’ allegations on polling date

(NST) – The Election Commission (EC) has refuted claims that it did not consult Pas when deciding the dates of the Pengkalan Kubor by-election.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof told the New Sunday Times that the claim made by Deputy Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, who is also a Pas committee member, was untrue.

“In fact, I had recently contacted Pas secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali to discuss the matter. In our discussion over the telephone, he told me that Pas’ muktammar (annual general assembly) would be held from Sept 16 to Sept 20.

“Mustafa then proposed that the polling day be held afterwards, to which I agreed,” Aziz said.

On Friday, the EC had set Sept 25 as the polling date for the Pengkalan Kubor (N01) by-election, with nomination taking place on Sept 13.

In response, Mohd Amar had said he was disappointed with the dates chosen and hoped it was not intentionally done to hamper the opposition’s campaign.