Abdullah describes Kajang by-election as PKR political game

Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described the move by Parti Keadilan Rakyat in 'planning' to hold a by-election for the Kajang state seat as a political game of the party for the benefit of its leader.

Abdullah said the move by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to stand as the PKR candidate in the by-election was not only a waste of public funds but also exploited the country's democracy.

"Why have the by-election when the people have already chosen their elected representative in the last general election, and the elected state assemblyman should have been more trustworthy as the electorate had elected him.

"He should have discharged his responsibility instead of resigning to make way for his leader. This is merely their political game," he told reporters after a visit to the Mardi Station in Paya Keladi, here Thursday.

The Election Commission on Wednesday, fixed March 23 as polling day for the by-election for the Kajang state seat while nomination day was set for March 11.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of Kajang State Assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh, from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), on Jan 27, forcing a by-election for the seat.