Asfia said he was unable to determine if See Chee How could be disqualified as an assemblyman under the Sarawak constitution following his decision to quit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) on Aug 14.

See had also requested to remain as an independent candidate.

In a statement, Asfia said he had “serious doubts” over a letter purportedly signed by See that he would vacate his seat if he resigned from PSB.

The letter was supposedly signed by See on Dec 3, 2021, he said.

Asfia also said the letter was sent to his office, by PSB president Wong Soon Koh, three days after See had resigned from PSB,

“It should have been sent to the speaker within 15 days from Dec 3, 2021 to comply with the date of the (Sarawak) election on Dec 18, 2021.

“Accordingly, I am unable to determine that See is disqualified under Article 17(7)(a) of the Sarawak state constitution from membership of the Dewan Undangan Negeri.”

On Aug 14, Wong said See must honour the terms of his agreement with PSB and vacate his Batu Lintang state seat.

He claimed that See signed a contract that required him to quit his state assembly seat if he chose to resign from PSB after having won the seat under its ticket.

Ses, who joined PSB in May 2020, won the Batu Lintang seat in the 12th Sarawak state election last December in a five-cornered fight.