KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to declare emergency for the Gerik parliamentary seat in Perak and the Bugaya state assembly seat in Sabah.
The by-elections for both seats, which were to be held simultaneously on Jan 16, 2021 are now postponed until further notice.
Announcing this today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the King consented to the matter after he was satisfied on the need to declare emergencies for both by-elections under Clause (1) of Article 150 of the Federal Constitution to proclaim the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No.2) 2020 and the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No.3) 2020 under Clause (2B) of Article 150.
"The Cabinet deliberated in detail on Dec 4 on the consequences of holding by-elections for the Gerik and Bugaya seats amidst the Covid-19 pandemic which is still spreading in our country.
"Taking heed of the Sabah state election, the Cabinet is of the opinion that both by-elections should be avoided as it could pose threats to public health, the economy and public tranquillity.
"Therefore, I duly presented the Cabinet's advice to His Majesty to declare emergency for the Gerik parliamentary seat in Perak and the Bugaya state assembly seat in Sabah," he said.
The Prime Minister also conveyed the Cabinet's gratitude and appreciation to the King for his decision.
The Gerik parliamentary seat fell vacant after its four-term Member of Parliament Datuk Hasbullah Osman, passed away on Nov 16 due to a heart ailment.
Meanwhile, the Bugaya state assemblywoman Datin Manis Muka Mohd Darah who defended the seat in a seven-cornered fight in the September state election passed away Nov 17, leaving the seat vacant.
Previously, Al-Sultan Abdullah also declared an emergency in Batu Sapi on Nov 18, thus postponing the by-election for the parliamentary seat slated for Dec 5.