THE Sandakan High Court today rejected election petitions filed by Parti Warisan Sabah to contest the results for the Sg Sibuga state and Libaran parliamentary seats.

Sg Sibuga is the traditional seat of former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman, while Libaran is Umno leader Zakaria Mohd Edris’.

Judge Tuan Azhahari Kamal Ramli made the decision after listening to both parties’ account.

One of Musa’s lawyers, Rizwandean Bukhari M. Burhan, said the judge, in making the ruling, cited non-compliance with petition rules.

“The judge mentioned non-compliance with Rule 3, as only two copies of the petition were left in court, and Section 38(1)(a), as the petition was not filed within 28 days of the alleged corrupt practice.”

Musa on July 25 had filed an application to strike out the election petitions, filed by Warisan lawyer Asmara Abdul Rahman on June 18.

Asmara had named Musa, the returning officer and the Election Commission as first, second and third respondents, respectively.

He said the decision to file fewer than three copies of each petition had effectively killed the party’s bid.

“Regretfully, the petitions for Libaran and Sg Sibuga have been struck out.

“The judge was of the view that three copies of the petition need to be filed with the court, aside from the e-filing system. It was fatal to have filed only two copies.”

Warisan on June 18 also filed election petitions to challenge the results for the Kimanis, Sipitang and Keningau federal seats, and Kundasang, Sook and Kiulu state seats.

The court has yet to make a decision on these six constituencies.

Kimanis MP Anifah Aman, of Umno, and Kiulu assemblyman Joniston Bangkuai, of Parti Bersatu Sabah, on August 14 filed applications to strike out the petitions concerning their seats.

September 20 has been fixed for mention. – September 18, 2018.