BN, Pakatan to discuss 'global settlement' over 19 pending election petition appeals

Source: 
The Star
Publication date: 
Nov 13 2013

Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat are in discussions over a possible "global settlement" on 19 election petition appeals that are pending at the Federal Court for determination.

Global settlement refers to an agreement between the parties after they address or compromise on the matter accordingly.

Barisan's lawyer Datuk Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin said the political parties were in discussions whether the matter could be resolved amicably.

"I think it is a positive move. All parties are in agreement to discuss the matter. We are optimistic about it," he told reporters after the appeals were called before a five-man panel chaired by the Court of Appeal president Justice Raus Sharif on Wednesday.

Justice Raus set Dec 2 for the parties to inform the court on the outcome of the discussion.

Barisan co-counsel Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun said Barisan has no intention to use the court as a mode to change the government.

He said Barisan had filed fewer than 20 election petitions, of which four were pending appeal.

"The court should not be used as a forum to change the Government. This is why we file fewer appeal," he said.

Mohd Hafarizam said the petition appeals were, among others, for Bagan Datoh, Machang, Ketereh, Batu, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Selangor, Titiwangsa Selama and Manong parliamentary and state seats.

PAS lawyer Hisham Fauzi told the media that he had to get instructions from the Opposition.

Lawyer Edmund Bon, who acted for two PKR petitions, confirmed that they have agreed to discuss the global settlement.

 

Author/Autor:M. Mageswari

Source/Fuente:http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/13/GE13-Election-petitions...