KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly has officially notified the Election Commission (EC) of a vacancy for the Lamag seat following the passing of its assemblyman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on Dec 5.
Sabah Speaker Datuk Kadzim M Yahya said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 9) that the notification, dated Dec 9, was submitted in accordance with Article 21(5) of the Sabah Constitution, which outlines the process for declaring a seat vacant upon the death of an elected representative.
"Hence, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly handed this over to the Sabah Election Commission for further action," he said.
Kadzim also extended condolences to Bung’s family on behalf of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) released a statement confirming that it has received notice of vacancy from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul, on Dec 8, and from Kadzim on Dec 9.
“In accordance with Article 54 Clause (1) of the Constitution Federal and Article 21 (5) of the State Constitution Sabah which provides that external vacancies for the P.187 Kinabatangan Parliamentary seat and Legislative Assembly N.58 Lamag, Sabah, must be filled within 60 days from the date the vacancy is confirmed,” said the commission in the Dec 9 statement.
It also said it would hold a special meeting, chaired by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, on Dec 16 to plan the two by-elections.
“ A press conference will be held immediately after the special meeting,” said the EC.
