Baru Bian, the unsuccessful opposition candidate for Ba'kelalan state seat, filed an election petition in the Miri High Court Registry today to declare the election result null and void on grounds of alleged corruption and bribery.

The petition was filed at 9.30am by the petitioner's lawyer See Chee How of Baru Bian & Co Advocates.

Baru contested the May 20 state election on a Snap ticket against Barisan Nasional's Nelson Balang Rining in a straight fight but lost by a 475-vote majority. He polled 1589 votes.

In a statement, Baru, a well-known Orang Ulu native land rights lawyer, explained the court action was not personal nor vindictive in nature.

"The thrust of this action is not on the victorious candidate but rather on the evil practice or political culture that is not lawful under the election laws of Malaysia," he said.

He added that he had sought the opinion of his supporters in Ba'kelalan after the elections and some close friends and family members.

"We are unanimous that it is very right that an election petition must be filed for several reasons.

"As this pertains to corruption and bribery, an issue our prime minister has vowed in his policy to eradicate from our society, it would therefore be incumbent upon me to make a stand to fight such evil at our end in a situation such as this," Baru said.

Breach election laws

He said the practice of giving money or promise of grant or promise of development during elections has become a norm, adding that it must be shown to the people that this is illegal and in breach of the provisions of the election laws.

"If this is not proven to be legally wrong, my people and my (Lun Bawang) community will be politically and morally destroyed forever," Baru said.

He added: "It is hoped that in future, a candidate without financial means and contesting in an election may have a better chance of success against another with the financial support and hopefully it will also increase the level of competition in such an election."

Under the law, election petitions must be filed within 21 days from the date of publication of the election results. The gazette notification was published on June 22.

Baru's election petition is believed to be the first to be filed after the recent state polls. It is expected to be heard in the Limbang High Court.