Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Seri Dr Anil Jeet Singh of Barisan Nasional (BN) retained his position as Kunak Assemblyman after the Election Court on Thursday struck out a petition filed by a voter challenging the result.
Bintulu-based High Court Judge Amelati Parnell struck out the petition after allowing preliminary objections raised by respondents.
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The petitioner, Md Bustan @ Industan Lumantang, had named the Election Commission, Sabah State Election Officer, the Returning Officer and Dr Anil as the first, second, third and fourth respondents, respectively.
The court held that the petition failed to comply with the mandatory requirements under Rules 3(1) and 3(2) of the Election Petition Rules 1954 governing the manner of presenting an election petition, as well as Rule 4, which requires sufficient material facts capable of sustaining an election challenge.
Amelati said compliance with these provisions is a fundamental requirement to invoke the jurisdiction of the Election Court.
The petitioner, among others, questioned the validity of the election, alleging that several duplicate ballot papers were discovered during the counting process in SMK Kunak Jaya.
Amelati ordered the petitioner to pay costs of RM10,000 to the first, second and third respondents and RM20,000 to the fourth respondent.
The petitioner was represented by counsel Jay Dee Allen James.
The first to third respondents were represented by Nurul Atiqah Azizan, Anis Najwa Nazari, Khairun Neesha Raj Mohamed and Mohammad Solehheen Mohammad Zaki from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Dr Anil was represented by counsel Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, Nooraihan Mohammad Ali and Wong Chik Kien.
Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Dr Anil, who was present in court, welcomed the court’s decision and said he could now focus fully on serving the people of Kunak without any doubt over the mandate given by voters.
Dr Anil won the six-cornered contest with 5,986 votes and a majority of 2,118.
On Dec 16, 2025, he was appointed Assistant Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy.
