Ousted rep Azizi seeks to stop Nenggiri by-election

Azizi Abu Naim claims he was not given the right to be heard before the Kelantan state speaker vacated his seat.

(NST) – The High Court here will hear a bid by ousted Nenggeri assemblyman Azizi Abu Naim to halt the by-election to fill the seat he was forced to vacate.

The injunction application will be heard by Judicial Commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain on Thursday afternoon.

FMT understands that the Election Commission (EC) intends to object to the application.

Last week, the electoral body set a meeting for this Friday to discuss preparations for the by-election.

Azizi filed his suit earlier this week to challenge his purported sacking by Bersatu as well as the vacancy of the Nenggiri state seat.

Bersatu said Azizi’s membership had ceased after he failed to declare his loyalty to the party and due to his continued support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

Azizi, who is also Gua Musang MP, is among six Bersatu MPs who have pledged their support for Anwar.

The others are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

In his lawsuit, Azizi contends that amendments to Clause 10 of Bersatu’s constitution – which stipulates that one’s membership will cease if he supports a political rival – are unconstitutional.

He wants the court to strike down the amendments on grounds that they violate the Federal Constitution.

Azizi also wants the court to declare the notice issued by the Kelantan state assembly advising the EC of the vacancy null and void. He says he was not given the right to defend himself before the seat was vacated.

He named Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, Kelantan speaker Amar Abdullah and the EC as defendants.