KOTA KINABALU: An independent candidate in the 2025 Sabah Election has filed for judicial review at the High Court here, challenging the Karanaan result and naming the Election Commission (EC) and Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun as respondents.
Naomi Francis is seeking leave to contest the declaration of Masidi as the winner of the Karanaan seat and is asking the court to order a fresh election, stating that the process failed to meet legal and democratic standards.
Advertisement
In her application, Naomi alleged the poll was tainted by corruption and misconduct, including claims that voters were offered cash and other inducements during the campaign by individuals linked to the winning candidate.
She also raised concerns over alleged procedural lapses by the EC, claiming breaches of election rules, failures to follow timelines, and actions that could affect the legality of the outcome, supported by affidavits, police reports and photographic evidence.
Filed on Dec 26, the case is scheduled for a hearing on Feb 4, with Naomi saying her action is aimed at defending clean and fair elections for Sabahans rather than pursuing personal grievance.
