Candidates who decide to withdraw after nomination day will still be regarded as contesting in the 13th General Election, and their names will still be on the ballot paper.
EC deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said that this was in line with the latest abolishment to a provision under the Election Regulations 1981 that used to allow for such withdrawals.
“Under the EC laws, the candidate cannot do this but if a candidate wants to announce that he or she is withdrawing from the contest, that is his or her individual right,” Wan Ahmad was quoted by Bernama as saying.
Voters can still vote for the candidate and the votes will still be counted at the end of the day, as the contestants are technically still in the race, he said.
Therefore, even in a one-on-one fight, the returning officer cannot announce that a candidate has won uncontested before counting the votes.
The abolishing of the withdrawal period, he said, was inline with the recommendations by the Parliamentary Selection Committee to improve the process of the elections.
Meanwhile, in a related matter, PAS-PKR today resolved the problem on overlapping seats.
PAS that it will give up the Labuan parliamentary seat and the state seats of Sungai Acheh in Penang and Panti in Johor to PKR.
In return, PKR will give up three state seats in Terengganu to PAS - Bukit Besi, Seberang Takir and Kota Putera kepada PAS.
The status of the Kota Damansara state seat is reportedly being discussed among PAS, PKR dan Dr Nasir Hashim of PSM.
Today, it was also reported that DAP’s Sim Tong Him has declared his withdrawal from contesting as an independent candidate in the Kota Laksamana state seat in Malacca.
However, Sim will still be running for the Kota Melaka parliamentary seat, where he is the incumbent.
Sim had apologised for his actions for running against DAP’s candidate Lai Kuen Ban in a press conference with DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang.
Astro Awani
Mon Apr 22 2013
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.