FORMER Batang Kali assemblyman Harumaini Omar can challenge his eviction as assemblyman in court, Selangor Deputy Speaker Hasnul Baharuddin said.

The decision made by Selangor Speaker Ng Suee Lim on Thursday was referred to the state legal adviser, Hasnul said.

He added that Harumaini had contacted him and admitted that he failed to provide a letter to the assembly, explaining the reasons behind his absence at the state assembly sittings, including his wife’s health issues and other family matters.

“He did not say anything to the speaker and admitted his mistakes when I reached out to him for an explanation,” Hasnul said in Banting today.

He said the rule is that a Selangor assemblyman must attend at least one sitting every six months, even if only for a day.

“It is clearly stated in the enactment and regulations that you have to show up within a six-month period, even if you attend the previous sitting.

“He had been absent for six months by the cut-off date (July 27).

“Many assemblymen drop in for half an hour and then leave. After signing in, they leave, which means we can’t take action.

“Morally, it’s not right for assemblymen to do such a thing, showing up just for attendance’s sake, then immediately leaving,” Hasnul said.

In addition, Hasnul said Harumaini also failed to show up for the tabling of the Selangor Budget last year.

On Thursday, the Batang Kali seat was declared vacant effective January 28 after incumbent Harumaini of Pejuang had failed to show up for any sitting in a period of six months.

The declaration was carried out under the provision of article LXIX of the Selangor Constitution 1959. – Bernama, February 19, 2023.