THE Terengganu election court today fixed February 12 for the decision on the preliminary objection to the Marang election petition.

In today’s proceedings, judge Hassan Abdul Ghani heard arguments from lawyer Takiyuddin Hassan, representing Marang MP Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS) and lawyer Mohd Hafarizam Harun, representing petitioner Jasmira Othman (Umno).

Hassan also asked the petitioner and respondent to submit additional arguments before February 6.

On January 3, Terengganu Umno filed a petition at the Kuala Terengganu High Court to annul the results of the Marang, Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman parliamentary seats during the November general election, in accordance with the Election Offences Act 1954.

Terengganu Umno chief Ahmad Said said among the points raised in the petition were allegations that PAS had bribed voters by distributing financial aid from the state government through the i-Pencen, i-Belia and i-Siswa initiatives between November 15 and 17, 2022, which was just a few days before the polls.

In the general election, Hadi retained the Marang seat with a majority of 41,729 votes, defeating three other candidates – Jasmira (Barisan Nasional), Azhar Ab Shukur (Pakatan Harapan) and Dr Zarawi Sulong (Pejuang). – Bernama, January 30, 2023.