The presence of many ministers in Semenyih lately is not an issue and should not be linked to the by-election for the Semenyih state constituency because they are serving at all times regardless whether there is a by-election or otherwise.

PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali said the Semenyih area had received rapid development since 2008 when the coalition of opposition parties administered the area and the Hulu Langat district.

"Recently, the prime minister had said that he was surprised that Semenyih is now known as a town that is well planned. From 2008, we in Pakatan Harapan wanted development not only to focus on urban areas, but also in the rural areas so that the people could receive the benefits.

“If we had not come to Semenyih since 2008 it would not be possible for the area and Hulu Langat to be developed as they are now,” he said when launching the Wanita Harapan Operations Room for the Semenyih state seat by-election last night.

Mohamed Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, said voters should not compare issues in the Cameron Highlands parliamentary by-election to the Semenyih state seat by-election because Harapan had never administered Pahang state nor the Cameron Highlands parliamentary constituency.

Also present at the event were Harapan Wanita head Zuraida Kamaruddin, PKR Wanita head Haniza Talha, Bersatu Wanita head Rina Harun and Amanah Wanita head Siti Mariah Mahmud. 

The Semenyih by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent, Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, 57, who was the Bersatu head for the Hulu Langat division on Jan 11, following a heart attack.

Nomination for the Semenyih by-election is fixed for Saturday while early voting will be on Feb 26 and polling day on March 2.

- Bernama