THE Election Commission (EC) will meet on December 16 to set the dates for the double by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats following the death of Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin last week.
EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus in a statement today, said they received official notifications of the vacancies from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on December 8, and Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya on December 9.
The meeting, to be chaired by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun and set the important dates and election details.
This includes the issuance of the election writ, nomination and polling days, the electoral roll to be used, as well as logistical preparations for both by-elections.
Under Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 21(5) of the Sabah State Constitution, any unexpected vacancy for a parliamentary or state seat must be filled within 60 days from the date the vacancy is confirmed by the EC.
A press conference will be held immediately after the meeting.
Bung, who is also Sabah Umno chairman, was a six term MP for Kinabatangan and aan outspoken and popular personality in Parliament as well as the Sabah political landscape.
He died on December 5 from lung and kidney complications after the Sabah State election. – December 9, 2025
