KOTA KINABALU – Sebatik assemblyman Hassan A. Gani Pg Amir’s pre-signed resignation letter is not effective, said Sabah speaker Datuk Kadzim M. Yahya.
According to the law, Kadzim said letters pre-signed without a date stamped are considered void, adding that Warisan can take its argument elsewhere, like to the civil court.
He added that the seat can be vacated only if Hassan himself submits a resignation letter as per the state constitution.
“The letter submitted by Warisan secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua yesterday is rendered ineffective. Existing laws do not accept pre-signed and dateless letters.
“The date stamped in the letter provided by Padua is illogical. If the Sebatik assemblyman had signed the letter, why did he not put the date at the time of signing.”
He also confirmed receiving two letters yesterday – the other is from Hassan informing his Warisan departure, and that he is now a Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government-friendly independent.
Towards this end, Kadzim said Hassan remains as Sebatik assemblyman and an independent rep supportive of the GRS state government.
Hassan’s pre-signed resignation letter was done prior to the state polls last September.
Copies of the letter are expected to be delivered to the state governor and Election Commission.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal had said the party is mulling legal action against Hassan should he decide to not step down as assemblyman.
The rep, however, took to Facebook to say he was forced to sign the letter, and that had he refused to do so, he would not have been named a Warisan candidate in the September 26 polls.
He announced his departure from the party on February 25, and voiced support for state ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, as well as the leadership of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Md Noor – both of them Bersatu men. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
