PARTI Warisan wants the Bugaya state seat by-election to be held at the same time the next general election as it would be more cost effective and practical.

Its president, Mohd Shafie Apdal, said it was up to the Election Commission to set the date for the by-election.

A by-election could not be held after the death of its incumbent owing to a localised Covid-19 emergency imposed on the Semporna district. The emergency was lifted on October 6.

“I don’t want to push for the by-election, that’s what I have said.

“We are ready anytime but if it is held at the same time as the general election, it is better, reduce the expenses of the government which is already facing a lot of debt,” he was quoted as saying by The Star Online.

Bugaya incumbent Manis Muka Mohd Darah died on November 17, 2020 due to medical complications and had retained the seat for Parti Warisan during the September 2020 Sabah elections.

Apart from the Bugaya state seat, the parliament seats of Batu Sapi in Sandakan and Gerik in Perak were also placed under the localised emergency following the deaths of the incumbents.

Speaking to reporters at the Parti Warisan headquarters, Shafie said the party was prepared with a few candidates in mind if the Bugaya by-election were to take place soon. – October 9, 2022.