Voters suffering from the H1N1 flu should stay away from the Aug 25 Permatang Pasir by-election, urged Election Commission Chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof .

Speaking to reporters in Putrajaya today, he said that the commission will, however, discuss the matter with Penang's Health Department to decide the issue.

"For those who are already infected with the flu, they are advised not to cast their votes, they should quarantine themselves at home."

NONE Abdul Aziz ( right) hopes that they will be able to overcome their zealous spirit to vote and, instead, stay at home.

According to him, EC officers have also been advised by the Health Department to keep their masks on throughout polling day as the voter turn out is expected to be high.

As of today, Malaysia has reported six more A (H1N1) related deaths, bringing the death toll to 32.

Health Ministry Director General Ismail Merican said that the six fatalities were among 203 new cases reported today, bringing the country's total reported cases to 1,983.

Globally 208,155 people have been found to be infected by the virus and 1,688 people from 174 countries have died, according official records.

Candidates Health factor

Permatang Pasir state seat fell vacant following PAS incumbent Mohd Hamdan Abdul Rahman's death last July, paving way for the by-election.

NONE This is the eighth by-election after the March 8 general election last year. Five of the by-elections were caused by the deaths of their elected representatives.

For this, the EC chief was put on the spot when asked whether the commission will urge political parties to field candidates of sound health.

He had previously drawn flak from various quarters when he hoped that "there will be no more deaths of elected representative".

Today, he clarified that political parties are free to choose their candidates as the EC has nothing to do with it.

"But I know all parties want their candidates to be healthy so they can serve the people better. As I said before, we cannot predict deaths. Even healthy people can die.

"However, naturally, if we ask for a new job, they will ask us to undergo a medical check-up to see if we have a heart problem or diabetes.

"But it also does not necessarily mean a person who seems healthy during medical check-up can be considered healthy and cannot die," said Abdul Aziz.

So, he said, political parties have all the freedom to field in their candidates despite their health background as EC does not have the jurisdiction to stop them from doing so, he added.