Why did the tribunal halt its probe into former EC members?

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Tribunal Halts Probe into Former EC Members as Matter Deemed Academic

The special tribunal investigating alleged election offences by six former Election Commission (EC) members has ceased its probe, with a majority recommendation deeming the matter academic. This decision was based on the fact that the objective of removing the members from their positions had already been achieved through their early retirement, which took effect on January 1 this year.
Majority Found Probe to Be Futile

Tribunal chairman Tan Sri Amar Steve Shim Lip Kiong, along with judges Tan Sri Zaleha Zahari and Tan Sri Suriyadi Halim Omar, voted to discontinue the proceedings. They reasoned that pursuing the tribunal's objective of removing the commissioners was no longer necessary, as the individuals in question had already removed themselves from the EC through their resignations. This view suggested that continuing the investigation would be an exercise in futility, consuming significant time, energy, and expense without achieving a new outcome.
Dissenting Judges Argued for Public Interest

Conversely, judges Tan Sri Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha and Datuk Prasad Sandosham Abraham voted for the continuation of the tribunal. Their dissenting judgments highlighted that the matter remained of public interest, particularly concerning the conduct of the implicated members while holding public office. They argued that the tribunal should proceed to examine these issues in detail, as they involved public authority and the practice of the Federal Constitution.
Resignations Preempted Tribunal's Objective

The tribunal was established on October 17 last year with the specific aim of seeking the removal of the six former EC members. However, five commissioners resigned on October 18, and the sixth followed on November 27. All six resignations officially took effect at the beginning of the current year, thus fulfilling the tribunal's primary objective of their removal from the commission prior to the conclusion of its investigation.
Allegations Involved Redelineation and GE14 Conduct

The six former EC members were subject to a probe concerning thirteen charges. These allegations related to their roles in preparing a controversial redelineation report and the conduct of the 14th General Election (GE14). The tribunal's mandate was to investigate these alleged election offences and determine if grounds for removal existed.

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Why did the tribunal halt its probe into former EC members?

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