RAWANG: Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican is eligible to represent Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Kuang state constituency in the upcoming Selangor state election, as there is no regulation preventing his candidacy. Barisan Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that he had consulted with lawyers regarding the nomination of Hasnal Rezua Merican and found no legal barriers.
“There is not even one regulation which bars (the nomination) and I have referred it to our lawyers,” said Ahmad Zahid during a Kuang constituency ceramah at Bandar Tasik Puteri on August 3. He further added, “Actually, we should be grateful because a figure in Suhakam who all this time saw that the fountain of justice should be realized and now that he is a BN candidate, he should not be considered unable to uphold the fountain of justice.”
Hasnal Rezua Merican, who was nominated to represent Barisan for the Kuang state seat, will face off against incumbent candidate Sallehudin Amiruddin (Independent) and Mohd Rafiq Abdullah (PN-Bersatu). Ahmad Zahid emphasized that besides being a product of Suhakam, Hasnal Rezua Merican is also a legal practitioner and should be supported by both the voters of Kuang and the relevant professional body.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid suggested that it would be more appropriate for Hasnal Rezua Merican to withdraw from Suhakam to solely focus on serving the people of Kuang. He stated that according to ethical considerations, this would enable Hasnal Rezua Merican to effectively prioritize his responsibilities as a candidate.
In regards to the campaign performance of the Unity Government parties in the six states involved in the state polls, Ahmad Zahid expressed his dissatisfaction and stated that the campaigning period will continue until August 8 for early voters. He assured that if the parties are satisfied with their progress by that date, they will not cease their efforts. Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid announced that he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will visit the six states again in order to meet with party machinery and voters. He promised to introduce new initiatives as game changers for these states’ upcoming elections.
The state election in Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan is scheduled to take place on August 12, simultaneously with the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election. Early voting will be held on August 8. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
