KOTA BARU: Umno has criticised the decision by the Kelantan assembly speaker to declare the Nenggiri state seat vacant, saying the move was "politically-motivated and biased".

State Umno information chief Datuk Zawawi Othman said the decision was based on a letter from Bersatu's secretary-general, which indicated that Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim was no longer a member of the party.

"However, Azizi contested the seat in the last election under the Pas logo and received the candidate's mandate from the party.

"The decision was made solely based on a letter from Bersatu, and this should not have occurred.

"From my observation, Pas intends to contest the seat in the upcoming by-election. Therefore, Pas has ousted their representative to pave the way for their candidacy," he said when contacted.

Yesterday, Kelantan Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the Nenggiri seat vacant, paving the way for a by-election.

He had said he received notification of Azizi's membership revocation from Bersatu on June 13.

Following the revocation, Amar said the state assembly decided to vacate the seat effective immediately in accordance with Phase Three of Article 31(A) of the state constitution.

Zawawi said Umno, however, respects the speaker's decision.

"The speaker's decision is not wrong but leans towards political and biased issues.

"When the speaker announces a vacant seat that needs to be filled within a specified period, the Election Commission will proceed accordingly based on the speaker's notification," he said.

Last night, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak had said in a statement that the commission would hold a special meeting on June 28 to discuss a by-election.

Azizi, however, said he would discuss with his lawyers whether to take legal action by filing for an injunction.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/06/1066014/kelantan-umno-move-vacate-nenggiri-seat-politically-motivated