Judge Azizah Nawawi, in allowing Manogaran’s election petition, said the petitioner had proven beyond reasonable doubt that money was given to voters during the campaign period.

She added that the Election Commission would be notified of the court’s decision.

The Election Court’s ruling today means that Cameron Highlands incumbent C Sivarrajh is at risk of losing his parliamentary seat. He has 14 days to file his appeal to the Federal Court.

Manogaran filed the petition in an attempt to nullify the Cameron Highlands general election results on grounds of massive vote-buying.

However, he did not seek an order for an immediate by-election if the court granted his petition.

Sivarraajh won with a 597-vote majority in a five-cornered fight with candidates from DAP, Parti Sosialis Malaysia, PAS and Berjasa.

During the petition hearing, Orang Asli leaders testified that Barisan Nasional candidates for the Cameron Highlands parliamentary and Jelai state seats gave a total of RM2,100 to six Tok Batins, in seeking their support few days before polling day.

The Tok Batins also said they were given RM200 as “duit rokok” (cigarette money) during the 12-day campaign period.

During the trial, however, Sivarraajh denied the claims of vote buying, insisting that this was wrong under the law.

Manogaran was represented by K Shanmuga while lawyer Hafarizam Harun headed Sivarraajh’s legal team.

In an immediate response, Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition would file an appeal to challenge the decision.

“The MP will continue his service to voters even in difficult times,” he said on Twitter.