PAS’ Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar has urged the government and Election Commission (EC) to conduct the Sungai Limau state by-election before the Budget is tabled on Oct 25.

azlan Mahfuz said he does not want the rewards outlined in the Budget to be used as a sweetener to entice voters during the by-election.

The state seat became vacant after former Kedah menteri besar Azizan Abdul Razak died last Thursday, from internal organ failure following a prolonged illness.

"The by-election should be announced before the budget on to prevent any misuse of the budget announcements.

"They might be giving more Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) and the government may take advantage of this budget to woo more voters," Mahfuz said.

He also said that the by-election should not be distracted by party elections, which both Umno and PAS are holding in October.

As such, Mahfuz hoped the by-election could be concluded before the Umno and PAS elections.

PAS has held the state seat since 1995, through the late Azizan.