DAP urges no-contest following death of Gerik MP
Following the passing of Gerik MP Hasbullah Osman, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has called for all parties to avoid running candidates and let Umno win the seat uncontested.
"DAP extends our condolences to the family of Hasbullah Osman, who passed away yesterday from a heart attack," Lim said in a statement...Following the passing of Gerik MP Hasbullah Osman, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has called for all parties to avoid running candidates and let Umno win the seat uncontested.
"DAP extends our condolences to the family of Hasbullah Osman, who passed away yesterday from a heart attack.
"Even though we were on opposite sides of the divide, Hasbullah has contributed over two terms as a parliamentarian and to his constituents," said Lim in a statement today.
He said Hasbullah’s passing necessitated another by-election within 60 days, which could pose risks to public health and safety with the country in the midst of a surge in Covid-19 infections.
"In recognition of his services and with Malaysia is in the grip of a severe third wave of Covid-19 infections, there should be no contest in the by-election by parties opposed to Umno," Lim said.
In the 2018 general election, Hasbullah polled 13,243 votes, winning by a comfortable margin of 5,528 votes against Mohd Dahalan Ismail (7,715) of PAS with Bersatu's Ibrahim Md Hanafiah (6,353) trailing in third place.
"Public safety should come first and take priority over politicking and electioneering.
"The people cannot forget the spike in Covid-19 infections after Sabah was forced to conduct its state elections (after) irresponsible money politics and the attempted buying over of assemblypersons," Lim said.
Gerik is not the only vacant parliamentary. Batu Sapi is also vacant following the death of its Warisan MP Liew Vui Keong on Oct 2.
The Election Commission has fixed Nov 23 for the nomination, Dec 1 for early voting and Dec 5 for polling for the Batu Sapi by-election.
A number of parties have indicated that they are willing to avoid a contest, but Bersatu said last week that it had yet to decide on the matter.
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