By-Election for Ayer Kuning State Seat Necessary Following Ishsam Shahruddin’s Passing
IPOH, Feb 23 (Bernama) – A by-election for the Ayer Kuning state seat is necessary as the 15th Perak State Legislative Assembly’s five-year mandate has yet to reach the three-year mark, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
By-elections need not be held if a vacancy occurs after the three-year threshold. However, in this case, the by-election is necessary as the seat is vacant due to the untimely passing of Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, yesterday due to a heart attack while participating in a football tournament in Penang.
By-Election Process
If the Election Commission (EC) convenes a meeting, they will determine the by-election date within 60 days. This follows the notification of the EC by Perak State Assembly speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid, who had earlier said that the EC would be notified of the Ayer Kuning seat vacancy as early as Tuesday. The First Meeting of the First Session of the 15th Perak State Assembly was held on December 19, 2022.
Tribute to Ishsam Shahruddin
Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad expressed grief over the loss of a close friend and dedicated people’s representative. He praised Ishsam for being proactive in addressing issues in his constituency and frequently seeking allocations to improve public facilities. "Ishsam was a committed state assemblyman who served the people well," he added.
Conclusion
The by-election for the Ayer Kuning state seat is a necessary step to ensure the continuation of representation for the people of the constituency. The EC will determine the by-election date within 60 days, and the people of Ayer Kuning can expect to return to the polls to elect a new representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is a by-election necessary?
A: A by-election is necessary because the 15th Perak State Legislative Assembly’s five-year mandate has yet to reach the three-year mark.
Q: What is the process for holding a by-election?
A: If the Election Commission (EC) convenes a meeting, they will determine the by-election date within 60 days.
Q: Who will notify the Election Commission of the seat vacancy?
A: Perak State Assembly speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid will notify the EC of the Ayer Kuning seat vacancy.
Q: What was Ishsam Shahruddin’s role in the Perak State Assembly?
A: Ishsam was the assemblyman for the Ayer Kuning state seat and was a dedicated people’s representative who served the people well.