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Thursday, 12 February 2009

Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau By-elections May Be Held Simultaneously


TASTE THE FRESHNESS�Chief Executive Officer of Melaka Biotechnology Corporation, Professor Dr Ramli Hitam is introducing MTea�s Misai Kucing herb tea � the end product of their research. Its leaves that contain diuretic elements help to eliminate excessive uric acid in the body; a source of many physiological problems. It has been used for generations to treat circulatory disorders, kidney stones, hypertension, diabetes, gout and maintain optimal liver function. Foto: Shaharim
KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The Election Commission (EC) has not dismissed the possibility of both the by-elections for Bukit Gantang Parliamentary seat in Perak and Bukit Selambau state assembly seat in Kedah, held simultaneously.

EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said a decision was expected on the matter after a special meeting held tomorrow to discuss and study documents related to the vacancy for both seats.

He added that the Federal Constitution stated that a by-election can only be held once the EC was satisfied that a state assembly seat or Parliamentary seat was lawfully vacant.

"For the Bukit Gantang seat...since the MP has passed away, it is definitely vacant but Bukit Selambau is a different issue and we need to gather detailed information and documents to make a decision.

"If we can establish that the Bukit Selambau seat is vacant, we will go ahead with the by-election. If the seat is not vacant, then the elected representative will remain," said Abdul Aziz after handing out certificates to EC staff involved in the Kuala Terengganu by-election, here last night.

The Bukit Gantang Parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of PAS MP Roslan Shaharum on Monday, due to a heart attack, while Bukit Selambau state assemblyman V. Arumugam from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was said to have tendered his resignation on Sunday.

Abdul Aziz said the EC cannot just accept the Kedah Legislative Assembly Speaker's statement that a vacancy existed for the Bukit Selambau state seat and go ahead with a by-election.

"We have to look at the issue from various perspective and not just make a decision based on assumption or because somebody had asked to do so. The EC will dispense its duties professionally based on the procedures, information and according to the law," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking of the Kuala Terengganu by-election that was held without any hitches or glitches, Abdul Aziz said the smooth election process received praise from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

"Tuanku Mizan was satisfied with the incident-free by-election for the Kuala Terengganu Parliamentary seat," he said.

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