The Election Commission (EC) finds no wrong in it seeking advice from the Attorney-General’s (AG) Chambers to file an appeal against the Kuching High Court’s ruling for the commission to carry out a redelineation exercise in Sarawak as it is made in accordance with the provision in the Federal Constitution.
Citing Article 145 (2) of the Federal Constitution, EC chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said it was the main function of the AG to advise the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) or the ministers on matters of law.
“Considering that one of the functions of the AG is to advise the Agong on legal matters, then it is right and logical for the EC to refer matters on law to the AG,” he said in a statement here today.
He was responding to statements by several lawyers for the EC to not seek advise from the AG in the case.
Abdul Aziz said members of the EC were appointed by the Agong under Article 114 (1) and that the EC was entrusted by the Agong to carry out elections, voter registration and redelineation of electoral boundaries as provided under Article 113 of the constitution.
“As an independent body established under the Federal Constitution and one entrusted by the Agong to carry out the tasks, it is apt for the EC to use the services of the AG,” he added.
As such, Abdul Aziz called on all quarters to not confuse the people and create a negative perception among the public on the Sarawak case.
The EC has always been an independent body and does not side with any political party in carrying out its role, including redelineation of electoral boundaries, he added.
-BERNAMA