KUALA LUMPUR – A visually impaired man missed his opportunity to register as an independent candidate for the Titiwangsa parliamentary seat at the SMK Aminuddin Baki nomination centre today.
53-year-old private sector retiree Habib Bourguiba Abd Hamid, who was accompanied by two supporters, was two minutes late due to traffic congestion and a few forced road detours.
He told The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal Getaran that he left his home in Kg Datuk Keramat at around 8.50 am but only managed to arrive at SMK Aminuddin Baki at 9.55am.
“However, as we were heading to the nomination centre’s gate, the returning officer announced that the time was up.
“I was disappointed and I will lodge a complaint because there should have been some consideration from the Election Commission under these circumstances,” he said when met outside the gates of the nomination centre.
When asked why he wanted to contest in the Titiwangsa seat, Habib said that he wanted to be the voice of orphans, the disabled and senior citizens.
He explained that these issues are close to his heart and their needs must be made public to ensure that they are met.
A few minutes later, returning officer Firdzaus Said met with Habib and explained why the latter was not allowed to enter the nomination centre.
He added that Habib has every right to lodge a protest even though Firdzaus’ decision was made based on the provisions provided within the law.
“I am following our sovereign law. If I make an exemption here today, there will be problems for me and the country. I’m sorry, but this is a matter of regulation,” he explained.
Still unhappy with the decision, Habib then threatened to make the issue viral.
“I will viral this incident. We will see Allah’s power,” he said. – The Vibes, November 5, 2022
