Jerlun parliamentarian Mukhriz Mahathir said he is prepared to accept candidacy for the Kota Siputeh by-election, if nominated.

This is amidst strong speculation that the son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad will contest in the state seat in Kedah.

Although there has been no discussion on the matter, Mukhriz said he is willing to accept any decision made.

"At this moment it is still speculation...(but) I am willing to accept any decision made by the top leadership and also (go along with) sentiments on the ground," he told reporters in the Parliament lobby today.

He also said Umno is 'disappointed' with the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to dismiss a stay application by the Election Commission against an earlier declaration that the seat is vacant.

"We have to accept the decision. But at the same time, another appeal will be filed at the Court of Appeal tomorrow with the hope that the court will make a decision as fast as possible," said Mukhriz ( right ).

He agreed that time is running out for Umno as the EC will have to issue a writ of election by Wednesday, in order to comply with election laws. "So we only have one more opportunity to buy more time so that the appeal can be reconsidered by the court," he said.

"(Nonetheless) our machinery is on standby and it is moving, and we're making preparations for any eventuality. If the decision is not in our favour, we will be ready to face a by-election."

Umno to appeal tomorrow despite uncertainty

At a separate press conference, Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan said the party's legal team, headed by Mohd Hafarizam Harun, will lodge an appeal tomorrow.

"(The hearing) will take time. We don't know if this can be decided tomorrow. The most important thing is that Umno should be prepared (for a by-election), and we started last weekend," he said.

If the appeal does not go through, he said, the party is prepared to face another by-election - the 10th since the General Election in March last year.

"Since the area has always been a stronghold of Umno and BN, we will definitely ensure victory and will work hard to have an increase in majority," he said.

The Kota Siputeh seat was declared vacant by the Kuala Lumpur High Court last Monday, on the ground that assemblyperson Abu Hassan Sarif ( above ) had been absent from two state assembly meetings this year.

After the High Court's decision today, the attorney-general's chambers filed an appeal on behalf of the EC at the Court of Appeal.