IPOH: A total of 11 people have been identified as the potential candidates to contest for the Gerik parliamentary by-election, says Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad.
He said he had a meeting with the Gerik Umno committee last Friday and they agreed on a formula on potential candidates.
He said under the party’s constitution, candidates must be suggested by the division, and there were 11 eligible candidates.
“So far, 11 names have been identified, and to be fair, all the names given to us will be forwarded to the top leadership.
“Before we submit the names, the 11 must accept the fact that only one candidate will be chosen, ” he told reporters after chairing his first state executive council meeting yesterday.
The Election Commission has set Jan 16 for the Gerik parliamentary by-election following the death of its incumbent Datuk Hasbullah Osman, 63, on Nov 16 due to a heart attack.
Saarani said hopefully the name of the candidate could be announced a week before nomination day on Jan 4.
On Dec 12, The Star reported that the by-elections for Gerik parliamentary seat in Perak and Bugaya state seat in Sabah scheduled next month are likely to be put on hold.
