The remark by Kuala Kangsar by-election independent candidate, Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary on women's ability as leaders is an insult to the group.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the remark made by the candidate was seen as undermining the ability of women in this country.

"It is not a good gesture when (one is) undermining other people's ability, especially the women (PAS or Barisan Nasional candidates) in the by-election.

"It should not be highlighted by someone who is contesting to represent the people," he told reporters after visiting Barisan Nasional (BN) Operations Room at Safari Resort, here today.

He was commenting on a remark made by Izat Bukhary yesterday who said only men deserve to be leaders and not the women, during interview with reporters after the nomination at Dewan Jubli Perak, Kuala Kangsar.

The independent candidate said: "Men need to be leaders, not women. If they cannot even lead a family, how can they handle something even bigger?".

Zambry who is also BN election director for Kuala Kangsar by-election urged all quarters campaigning in the by-election to respect the holy month of Ramadan.

"Avoid from (doing) things that can reduce fasting 'pahala' (rewards) and most importantly, we are campaigning prudently without smearing anyone that can further sully our fasting," he said.

The Kuala Kangsar by-election was called following the death of Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad who perished with five others in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.

Nomination was held yesterday while the polling day was fixed for June 18.

The parliamentary by-election is a four-cornered contest involving BN, PAS, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and an independent candidate.

The two women candidates contesting for the seat are Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid (BN) and Perak PAS Women's chief, Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad.

Amanah party is represented by its candidate who is also the Kuala Kangsar division chief, Prof Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli.