KUCHING – Parti Sarawak Bersatu candidate for the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa, who was narrowly defeated in the 15th general election, has filed an election petition to annul the result.
The petition was filed by Dr Rayong’s legal representatives at the Kuching High Court today.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Dr Rayong’s lawyer Clement Wong said there are three grounds for the petition, including general bribery and non-compliance with the Election Offences Act 1954.
“The failure to recount (by the returning officer) falls under the non-compliance. We will reveal the (details of) other grounds when the time comes,” he said.
On November 23, Dr Rayong told a press conference here that his request for a recount was rejected by the returning officer without any reason given and instead his opponent Roy Angau Gingkoi of Gabungan Parti Sarawak was declared the winner by a 100-vote majority.
Dr Rayong, who is also the Engkilili assemblyman, polled 6,544 votes against 6,644 obtained by Roy Angau in a four-cornered fight on November 19.
The other two candidates were Jugah Muyang of Perikatan Nasional-Bersatu who got 5,360 votes and Langga Lias (Pakatan Harapan-PKR) who obtained 746 votes. – Bernama, January 3, 2023
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