The Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) declared that it was prepared for the Sungai Limau state assembly by-election and will name its candidate on Oct 21.      

Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir said Kedah BN had made early preparation and the party machinery was prepared for any eventuality.      

"Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will visit the Sungai Limau state constituency on Oct 8 and discuss with Kedah BN on preparation for the by-election," he told reporters after a friendly gathering with personnel of the state religious department, Alor Setar today.      

However, he said the candidate has not been identified as efforts were underway to draw up a short list of potential candidates.      

Election Commission (EC) chairman Abdul Aziz Yusof today announced the nomination date as Oct 23 and the by-election on Nov 4.      

The Sungai Limau state seat which was under the Jerai parliamentary constituency was declared vacant following the death of former Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak.        

On the date of the nomination which was close to the Umno election, Mukhriz said it had been decided by the EC and had to be accepted.      

"We have to accept it as it had been decided, although in terms of time, for example in my case, my campaigning will be hampered a bit.      

"But it is okay, and the responsibility is more towards the by-election..we are ready at any time, it is not a disadvantage," he added.      

- Bernama