Electoral watchdog Bersih has expressed concern over the Court of Appeal decision to proceed with a challenge against the Election Commission’s (EC) redelineation exercise brought by four Johor voters.

This is because the voters had earlier decided, for strategic reasons, to discontinue their case and this decision has been communicated to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

“Bersih is extremely concerned about how the matter has developed, as there is no reason for the Court of Appeal to insist on proceeding with the appeal when the voters, through their counsel, have intimated to the court that they no longer wish to pursue their action in the High Court.

“This move to make a ruling on a case that will be withdrawn is highly irregular and wrong in law,” the Bersih steering committee said in a statement today.

The four Johor voters had successfully obtained leave from the High Court in July to challenge the EC’s redelineation exercise, and the AGC’s appeal against this decision was due to be heard by the Court of Appeal on Oct 26...