By-elections: EC to meet on Friday

(TheStar) PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission will hold a special meeting on Friday to discuss by-election dates for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat and Bukit Selambau state seat.

Commission deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, when contacted, said they would discuss matters related to the vacated seats and the steps to be taken to hold the by-elections.

Dewan Rakyat secretary Datuk Roosme Hamzah said Dewan Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin sent the letter officially notifying the Commission of the vacancies by hand and fax at 2pm Tuesday.

Parliament received notification from PAS on the Bukit Gantang seat vacancy Tuesday morning, she said.

“We have the necessary documents,” she added.

PAS Bukit Gantang MP Roslan Shaharum, 50, died on Monday morning after a heart attack while cycling.

Later in the evening, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak announced V. Arumugam’s resignation as the assemblyman for Bukit Selambau and as state executive councillor.

The by-elections will have to be held in both constituencies within 60 days after the Commission receives the vacancy notice.