Mohamad Hasan's appeal dismissed; Rantau by-election to go on

PUTRAJAYA: A by-election will be called for the Rantau state seat in Negeri Sembilan, after an election petition filed by former Mentri Besar Mohamad Hasan was dismissed by the Federal Court.

The Federal Court dismissed the petition by the Umno deputy president and the Election Commission on Monday (Feb 18).

Umno's Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan won the Rantau seat uncontested in GE14, after as his sole challenger from Pakatan Harapan, Dr Streram Sinnasamy, failed to file his nomination papers after being denied entry into Dewan Sri Rembau.

Dr Streram was not allowed into the nomination centre, as he did not have a candidate pass issued by the Election Commission.

Returning officer Amino Agus Suyub allegedly refused to allow Dr Streram into the nomination centre on April 28, because he did not have a valid pass issued by the EC.

In his election petition, Dr Streram sought for a by-election to be held for the Rantau seat, as its incumbent had not won the seat legitimately.

The Special Election Court had in November last year, ruled as null and void the unopposed election of Mohamad as the assemblyman in the 14th General Election in May.