KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government candidate for the Mahkota state by-election in Johor will be from Barisan Nasional, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan chairman and Umno president, told a press conference here on Tuesday (Aug 13) that it is customary for the party that holds a state or parliamentary seat involved in a by-election to contest it again.
According to Bernama, Ahmad Zahid said further details will be addressed at the Umno political bureau and supreme council levels, after which the decision will be brought to the unity government secretariat council.
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"We know that the seat is in a relatively promising area for us (Barisan) to continue winning, and of course, we want coordination with all parties in the unity government.
"Usually, the understanding... is that the seat held by any party should be contested again by that party.
"Therefore, I don't want statements from leaders (of other parties), big or small, claiming any seats," he added.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
Sharifah Azizah, 63, who was Kluang Wanita Umno chief, passed away while receiving treatment at Hospital Enche' Besar Hajjah Khalsom in Kluang.
The former Johor Wanita Umno chief was admitted to the intensive care unit after experiencing breathing difficulties.
It was later reported that Kluang Amanah chief Dr Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain expressed the division's interest in fielding a candidate.
However, party president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said such matters should be left to the government leaders at the national level.
More to come
