The Kajang state by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Datin Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The Election Commission (EC) confirmed receiving both the candidates’ nomination papers at the Kajag Municipal Council sports complex at Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi this morning.
Chew, 50, whi is also MCA Vice-President, handed in her nomination papers to returning officer Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman at 9.07am while Wan Azizah, who is also PKR president, handed in her nomination papers at 9.10am.
“The official candidates for the Kajang state by-election is Chew Mei Fun and Wan Azizah,” he announced after the end of the nomination period at 10am.
The Kajang state by-election began today with the nomination of candidates at the Kajang Municipal Council sports complex, Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi at 9am.
Chew Mei Fun arrived at the nomination center at 8.55am accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, while Wan Azizah arrived at 9.05am accompanied by her husband, PKR advidor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The by-election has been necessitated by the sudden resignation of its assemblyman, Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan. 27.
Lee had reportedly vacated the seat to enable Anwar to contest the by-election so as to pave the way for him to eventually replace Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the Menteri Besar of Selangor.
On February 17, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim announced his intention to contest in the Kajang by-election to ensure the current Selangor Menteri Besar remains in power.
However on March 8, a three-man Court of Appeal panel, chaired by Justice Balia Yusof Wahi with Justices Aziah Ali and Mohd Zawawi Salleh sentenced Anwar to five years jail after finding him guilty of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.
The court also granted Anwar a stay of execution of the sentence with a bail of RM10,000 in one surety.
Anwar then announced he will no longer contest for the Kajang by-election but will continue to campaign to ensure a win for Pakatan Rakyat in the March 23 polls and named Wan Azizah as the new candidate.
Following the announcement, Zaid then withdrew from contesting in the by-election .
According to the EC, the Kajang constituency has 39,278 voters, 1,197 of whom are early voters and 26, absentee voters.
The voters comprise Malays (48 percent), Chinese (40 percent) and Indians (10 percent). Women make up five per cent of the electorate.
Eighteen polling centres will be opened for the by-election.
Three of the centres will be for the early voting on March 19 and the remaining 15 for the ordinary polling on March 23.
Haider Yutim
Tue Mar 11 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.