KUALA KUBU BARU: Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said it is every party's right to file an election petition to challenge the result of tomorrow's Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

However, she expressed bewilderment over opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan's announcement to do so before waiting for the outcome of the polls.

"Regarding the constitution and election laws, anyone can file a petition. But the issue is even before anything happens, they already want to file a petition.

"I find it strange as if they already know they will lose. I don't know. But for me, if they (PN) win, will they still file a petition?

"I don't understand, you can't just plan like that. But maybe they have their reasons. It is the party's right and the country's democracy," she said after visiting an Orang Asli village here.

When asked whether the government would also file an election petition after polling day tomorrow, Azalina advised all parties to respect the voter's decision.

"I'm not a fortune-teller. We have to wait for the result. But what's more important is reminding all parties that we need to respect the voters.

"We must see the voters choosing someone here who will serve them as their elected representative," said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said.

On Monday, Takiyuddin said Perikatan Nasional (PN) would file an election petition if Pakatan Harapan (PH) wins the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election slated tomorrow.

Takiyuddin, who is the Pas secretary general claimed it has evidence of government misconduct which could allegedly sway voters in the polls.

Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke yesterday also challenged the opposition to immediately lodge a report with the authorities over claims of government misconduct in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign.

Loke questioned why PN wanted to wait till after the election before filing a petition.

He said if the opposition has substantial evidence, they should file the petition immediately.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/05/1048898/azalina-bewildered-pns-intention-file-election-petition-kkb-polls