KOTA KINABALU: A by-election is unlikely following Tungku assemblyman Datuk Mohd Suhaili Said’s death yesterday.
However, Sabah state assembly speaker Datuk Johnny Mositun said the final, official decision will be made by the Election Commission (EC).
"Normally, if (a seat becomes vacant) less than two years before the term ends, no by-election is called.
"But it (is up to the) EC to decide. The Sabah state assembly will officially inform the EC next week on the vacancy of the Tungku state seat," he said.
Mohd Suhaili, 56, who was also Umno Silam deputy chief, and Sabah Religious Council (Muis) chairman, died at about 3.10pm yesterday after being warded at the Gleaneagles Hospital in Kuala Lumpur since March 21.
He left behind wife Datin Dayang Sofia Datu Jamiuddin and six children.
He had served the Tungku constituency for two terms since 2008.