BAGAN DATUK – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today expressed hope that the party will see a walkover in the Gerik by-election, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to reporters here today, he said it is hoped that Umno allies Bersatu and PAS will allow it to successfully defend the seat, adding that the two parties’ support is necessary towards this end.
The Election Commission has set January 16 next year for the by-election, necessitated by the death of MP Datuk Hasbullah Osman, 63, on November 16 due to a heart attack.
Zahid said Umno will field a local candidate, as they would have a better understanding of the area’s needs.
He said he will let the party’s Perak liaison committee chairman, Datuk Saarani Mohamad, discuss with the Gerik division on the best pick.
“We will choose the best among the best. We will shortlist the names after the Gerik division provides them to the state liaison committee, and then to me as Barisan Nasional chairman, to be finalised.”
On the possibility of the polls being postponed should an emergency be declared in the constituency, as what has happened in Sabah’s Batu Sapi, Zahid said it is unlikely, given that Gerik is a Covid-19 green zone. – Bernama, November 28, 2020
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