KT by-election returning officer has quit - Star

Jan 15, 2009

KUALA TERENGGANU: The returning officer for the Kuala Terengganu by-election has quit less than 48 hours before polling day Saturday.

Datuk Mat Razali Kassim's resignation has been accepted by the Election Commission and will take effect immediately.

Election Commission's secretary Datuk Ngah Senik in a statement said Kuala Terengganu City Council secretary Wan Mustafa Wan Hassan has been appointed to replace Razali who is also the mayor.

The commission, he said, acknowledged Razali's contribution towards the smooth nomination process last Tuesday.

He said the appointment of Wan Mustafa who was the deputy returning officer was made according to Section 3(c) and 5(1)(a) of the Election Act 1958.

"The Election Commission held a special meeting with Razali today (Thursday) and after carefully studying his reasons for resigning, we have accepted his request to pull out as the returning officer for the Kuala Terengganu by-election with immediate effect," he said.

PAS on Wednesday had accused Razali of having committed offences under the Election Offences Act.

The party had also asked for his immediate removal.