KUALA TERENGGANU, 16 Jan 2009: The resignation of Datuk Mat Razali Kassim as returning officer (RO) will not affect the Election Commission’s (EC) credibility in running the Kuala Terengganu by-election tomorrow in a transparent manner.
EC chairperson Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was hopeful that certain quarters would not politicise the issue by claiming that it was not transparent and fair in running the by-election.
He said that some people may question Mat Razali’s decision to resign as RO but added by resigning, the Kuala Terengganu mayor had taken responsibility.
“Datuk Mat Razali resigned before the by-election and the case is now closed. Don’t disturb him anymore as he had accepted responsibility,” he told a press conference here today.
Asked whether action could be taken against Mat Razali, Abdul Aziz said no action would be taken as he resigned as RO before the by-election.
PAS claimed Mat Razali had campaigned for Barisan Nasional (BN) at a function with staff of the Kuala Terengganu City Council on 14 Jan, an offence under the Election Offences Act, and urged him to resign as RO.
Abdul Aziz said Mat Razali had denied campaigning for BN.
He said EC accepted Mat Razali’s resignation after a thorough discussion.
Those unhappy with how the by-election was run including action taken by the RO had been urged to take the matter to court via a petition after the election.
Abdul Aziz said EC expected 90% of the 80,299 registered voters in Kuala Terengganu would cast their ballots tomorrow.
Result of the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election was expected to be announced latest by 10.30pm. — Bernama
