KUALA LUMPUR – Umno will not contest the Kuala Kubu Bharu state seat, despite more than 50% of its voters being Malay, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
During his speech at the party headquarters here, he said the party had to respect that the seat belonged to a component of the unity government.
“Although the number of Malay voters in Kuala Kubu Bharu has risen to more than 50%, in respect to the Madani government, Umno respects that the seat belongs to our friend in the unity government.
“Whoever that is nominated in the Madani government, Umno’s machinery, especially those in Hulu Selangor, is always prepared.
“We are confident that Barisan National’s (BN) machinery, especially MCA and Friends of BN, will also help the candidate,” Zahid said, adding that the by-election’s date had not been set.
The Kuala Kubu Bharu seat was vacated following the death of its incumbent, DAP’s Lee Kee Hiong, yesterday due to cancer.
Her death was confirmed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in a statement.
A subsequent statement announced that the official declaration of the seat’s vacancy would be made as soon as Lee’s funeral services were completed.
According to the Selangor speaker’s office, they have to provide space for the deceased’s family first, before the next steps can be taken.
Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, wants Umno to remain steadfast and continue upholding the essence of unity with components of the unity government.
“We want the nation’s political stability to be defended.
“During (previous) by-elections and state elections, we have seen the unity among party components in BN, as well as components in the government.” – March 22, 2024