By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Mar 22 — The Kuala Kubu Bharu seat, which was made vacant following the death of its incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, is most likely to be contested by a DAP candidate as it has been the party’s traditional seat, according to Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
However, he said this would only be finalised following deliberations among component parties of Pakatan Harapan (Harapan).
“Traditionally, this is the case (DAP contesting in Kuala Kubu Baru), but we have to discuss and finalise the matter first.
“As of now, I would say 60 to 70 per cent most likely, yes (to DAP), unless there are other instructions issued,” he said after attending the Mahabbah Ramadan Madani event with Selangor civil servants at the State Secretariat Building, here, today.
Nevertheless, Amirudin said Harapan would be waiting for an official announcement from the Election Commission pertaining to the by-election before making preparations, and that the focus now is on Lee’s funeral, which will take place on Monday and be handled by DAP.
Lee, who had been state assemblyman for Kuala Kubu Bharu since 2013, died yesterday morning aged 58 following a long battle with cancer.
She won the seat three consecutive times. In the most recent state election last year, she defeated three other candidates with a majority of 4,119 votes.
Amirudin said Selangor Harapan will send a notification of the vacancy of the seat to the State Speaker’s Office after the funeral.
He added that in the meantime, Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin will oversee the Kuala Kubu Bharu constituency.
According to Amirudin, the state executive councillor for public health and environment had been entrusted with this responsibility since Lee’s health deteriorated last month.
“I hope Jamaliah will be able to assist in the constituency for another month or two before a new representative is elected in the by-election,” he said.
