MIRI: The Election Court fixed Aug 1 to hear and decide on preliminary objections over the Baram election petition filed by Roland Engan of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Roland lost by 194 votes in the May 5 general election to Barisan Nasional’s (BN) new face, Anyi Ngau, who is a former Limbang District Officer and Roland’s uncle in the three-cornered fight.
He garnered 8,988 votes against Anyi’s 9,182 votes, while independent candidate Patrick Sibat Sujang obtained 363 votes and lost his deposit.
Kota Kinabalu High Court judge Chew Soo Ho, sitting as the Election Court judge, made the decision after case management of the petition via video conferencing here yesterday.
Present at the video conferencing were Roland’s lawyer See Chee How, counsel Henry Ling Kuong Meng representing Anyi and senior federal counsels Mahiran Mohd Isa and Asha Hol representing Returning Officer Joseph Belayong Punan, who was named second respondent in the petition.
The Baram election petition was the only petition filed by the opposition in Sarawak.
Around 100 supporters of Roland and Pakatan Rakyat gathered at the court for the hearing. Also present was Piasau assemblyman Alan Ling.