EC confirms Kinabatangan, Lamag vacancies, by‑elections to be set

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 9): The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed unexpected vacancies for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and Lamag state seat following the passing of their incumbent, the late Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin.

In a statement issued today, EC Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the commission received official notifications from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on Dec 8 and from Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Kadzim M Yahya on Dec 9.

“These notifications pertain to the unexpected vacancies for the P.187 Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the N.58 Lamag state seat following the death of the incumbent,” Khairul said.

He said the EC is constitutionally required to fill both vacancies within 60 days of the seats being confirmed vacant, in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 21(5) of the Sabah State Constitution.

To fulfil this requirement, the EC will convene a special meeting on Dec 16, chaired by EC Chairman Datuk Sri Ramlan Harun.

“The special meeting will determine key dates for the Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections, including the issuance of the election writ, nomination day, polling day, the electoral roll to be used, and other necessary preparations,” Khairul said.

A press conference will be held immediately after the meeting concludes, he added.