TAWAU: The Election Commission should take the upcoming Ramadan fasting month into account when setting the date for the Ayer Kuning by-election, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said he had asked Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad to discuss nomination day and election day dates with the EC.
Zahid said there was no urgency to fill the Ayer Kuning seat following the death of its assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin.
"We are not in a rush to proceed but as Ramadan is approaching, we hope the chosen date will be appropriate for the holy month," he said, adding he would leave the selection of dates to the EC.
Ahmad Zahid was speaking to reporters after attending Sabah Umno's 34th anniversary celebration here on Sunday (Feb 23).
Under election rules, a by-election must be held within 60 days after a vacancy is announced by the Parliament Speaker.
Ishsam died from a heart attack on Saturday (Feb 22) after participating in a football match in Penang.
