News 2008-09-10 15:21
KOTA KINABALU: Political parties are preparing for a by-election in the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency even as the appeal against the Election Court's declaration of the seat vacant remains unsettled.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, whose election to the seat in the March 8 general election was declared null and void by the court Monday (8 Sept), seems likely to be re-nominated to contest the possible by-election.
A PBRS founder, Cyril Yansalang, said he hoped that the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership would re-nominate Kurup to retain the seat for the coalition in the event of a by-election.
"I will be one of the leading campaigners to canvass and build solid support for our president. But with the changed political scenario nationwide, it is going to be a little bit tough for us this time around.
"I believe with a proven track record, the BN will still be the first choice of the people of Pensiangan to deliver the goods," he told Bernama.
Cyril, who is also PBRS Tambunan divisional head, said Kurup had worked hard for the people in his constituency even before he was appointed deputy minister of rural and regional development.
The PBRS youth movement yesterday expressed support for the renomination of Kurup as the BN candidate in the event of a by-election.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Liaison Steering Committee is expected to hold a meeting this weekend to discuss who will contest on its ticket in the by-election.
PKR state chief Ansari Abdullah said Pensiangan PKR held a meeting Tuesday (9 Sept) and set up its election machinery.
Local political analyst Iskandar Martin Gayo predicted that the by-election would be tough and crucial for both BN and the opposition.
"I won't be surprised if PKR puts up a heavyweight -- PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan -- to face Kurup. If this happens, it would be another interesting political battle after Permatang Pauh.
"But, as of now, on paper, I would say, BN has the upperhand over the opposition," he said, adding that Sabah politics was always unpredictable and fluid.
High Court judge David Wong Dak Wah, in delivering his judgement on Monday, ruled, among other things, that the wrongful rejection of the nomination papers of Danny Anthony Andipai of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), who had filed the petition, had breached the candidate's constitutional right to take part in the election.
Kurup has instructed his lawyer to file for a stay of execution and said he would appeal against the decision of the court.
He has two weeks to appeal, failing which a by-election would have to be called. (Bernama)
MySinchew 2008.09.10
KOTA KINABALU: Political parties are preparing for a by-election in the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency even as the appeal against the Election Court's declaration of the seat vacant remains unsettled.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, whose election to the seat in the March 8 general election was declared null and void by the court Monday (8 Sept), seems likely to be re-nominated to contest the possible by-election.
A PBRS founder, Cyril Yansalang, said he hoped that the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership would re-nominate Kurup to retain the seat for the coalition in the event of a by-election.
"I will be one of the leading campaigners to canvass and build solid support for our president. But with the changed political scenario nationwide, it is going to be a little bit tough for us this time around.
"I believe with a proven track record, the BN will still be the first choice of the people of Pensiangan to deliver the goods," he told Bernama.
Cyril, who is also PBRS Tambunan divisional head, said Kurup had worked hard for the people in his constituency even before he was appointed deputy minister of rural and regional development.
The PBRS youth movement yesterday expressed support for the renomination of Kurup as the BN candidate in the event of a by-election.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Liaison Steering Committee is expected to hold a meeting this weekend to discuss who will contest on its ticket in the by-election.
PKR state chief Ansari Abdullah said Pensiangan PKR held a meeting Tuesday (9 Sept) and set up its election machinery.
Local political analyst Iskandar Martin Gayo predicted that the by-election would be tough and crucial for both BN and the opposition.
"I won't be surprised if PKR puts up a heavyweight -- PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan -- to face Kurup. If this happens, it would be another interesting political battle after Permatang Pauh.
"But, as of now, on paper, I would say, BN has the upperhand over the opposition," he said, adding that Sabah politics was always unpredictable and fluid.
High Court judge David Wong Dak Wah, in delivering his judgement on Monday, ruled, among other things, that the wrongful rejection of the nomination papers of Danny Anthony Andipai of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), who had filed the petition, had breached the candidate's constitutional right to take part in the election.
Kurup has instructed his lawyer to file for a stay of execution and said he would appeal against the decision of the court.
He has two weeks to appeal, failing which a by-election would have to be called. (Bernama)
MySinchew 2008.09.10
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