Decision to declare Batang Kali seat vacant final, says Speaker

Selangor Speaker Ng Suee Lim says it was made in accordance with the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor 1959.

(FMT) – Selangor Speaker Ng Suee Lim said the decision to declare the Batang Kali state assembly seat vacant is final.

His response comes after the previous assemblyman, Harumaini Omar of Pejuang, said he will consider taking legal action over the decision.

Ng said his decision to declare the seat vacant was made in accordance with the law.

“We respect his (Harumaini’s) decision to take any action, but my decision was made in accordance with Article 69 of the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor 1959.

Yesterday, Ng announced that the seat had been declared vacant after its assemblyman failed to attend the state assembly sitting for more than six months.

However, he said a by-election will not be called as Selangor is expected to hold a state election in the middle of the year.

Ng, who is also the Sekinchan assemblyman, said his next step will depend on what Harumaini does.

Yesterday, Harumaini said he is considering legal action over the decision to declare the seat vacant.

According to Sinar Harian, he was shocked to learn of the decision as he was not informed about it beforehand and only found out from friends and social media.

Harumaini had won the state seat, which he contested under the Pakatan Harapan banner, in the 14th general election with a 8,315-vote majority. He was with Bersatu at the time.