No vacancy in Selat Klang state seat, S'gor speaker says

A casual vacancy has not been established for the Selat Klang state seat in Selangor held by Abdul Rashid Asari, said state legislative assembly speaker Lau Weng San.

He said there is insufficient evidence to confirm a casual vacancy.

Lau said the notice dated June 20 and received by the speaker’s office the following day, brought by Selangor opposition leader Azmin Ali, does not meet the burden of proof required to demonstrate otherwise.

“The dismissal of the honourable member for Selat Klang from Bersatu is found to be a constructive expulsion under the operation of Article 65A(2)(c) of the Selangor constitution.

“In conclusion, it is safe to infer on a balance of probabilities that there is insufficient evidence to confirm the occurrence of a casual vacancy,” he said during the Selangor assembly sitting today.

On March 6, Rashid declared his support for the leadership of Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Speaker has right to probe

Previously, Azmin, who is also Selangor Perikatan Nasional chairperson, when submitting the notice of vacancy for the Selat Klang seat to the speaker, reportedly said Lau was responsible for informing the Election Commission in accordance with Article LXVA(3) of the Selangor constitution.

Elaborating, Lau said any assemblyperson can inform the speaker about the casual vacancy of another assemblyperson, and the speaker has the right to investigate further with the relevant representative before making a decision.

“If the speaker, upon receiving the written notice, immediately announces a casual vacancy without making any due diligence to confirm, investigate, or inquire about it, then many casual vacancies may occur from time to time.

“I believe this is not and has never been the legislative intent in amending the state constitution.

“Therefore, I must clarify that the function of the speaker according to the constitution is to investigate first upon receiving the notice,” he said.

Azmin, representing the PN assemblypersons, in his press conference at the Selangor legislative assembly lobby, expressed regret over the speaker’s decision and said he would review the matter before taking any action, including legal action.

The sitting adjourned sine die.

- Bernama

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