KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun has firmly denied allegations of corruption and election misconduct during the recent Sabah state polls, following a judicial review seeking to nullify his victory in the Karanaan constituency.
Independent candidate Naomi @ Neomi Francis has reportedly filed for leave at the Kota Kinabalu High Court, seeking to overturn the Election Commission’s (EC) declaration of Masidi as the duly elected assemblyman and calling for a fresh election.
Masidi dismissed the allegations as baseless, unfounded, and politically motivated, claiming they were intended to undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
“I categorically deny any allegation of corrupt practices or any breach of election rules during the recent Sabah elections,” he told FMT.
He acknowledged, however, that Malaysia is a democratic nation and that Naomi has the right to seek legal recourse if she believes there were violations.
Masidi stressed that GRS conducted its campaign lawfully, transparently, and with integrity.
“We remain committed to upholding democratic values and ensuring the people’s voice is respected,” he said.
He called on all parties to refrain from spreading misinformation and to respect the election outcome, which he said reflects the mandate of Karanaan voters.
“If and when the legal process requires it, any such allegation will be vigorously challenged,” he added.
According to Malaysiakini, the case has been fixed for mention on February 4 before Justice Alexander Siew. Both Masidi and the EC have been named as respondents in the suit.
Naomi claims the EC failed in its constitutional and legal duty to ensure a fair election in Karanaan, alleging “pervasive corrupt practices”, including vote-buying, bribery, and undue voter influence. She further alleges voters were offered cash between RM100 and RM200 in at least four locations to support Masidi.
She also cited alleged irregularities in polling procedures, including the denial of access to a polling agent at the start of voting and issues involving the provision of Form 14, the official vote tally statement.
Masidi secured the Karanaan seat with a 5,361-vote majority in a seven-cornered contest involving candidates from Barisan Nasional, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), Warisan, Upko, and Naomi, who received 115 votes.
–ENDS