In a report in Malaysiakini, Nazri said his choice of Ramly, 57, as the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary candidate was due to the latter’s long service.

“He was state assemblyman for four terms. Even when he was dropped in the last general election, he did not show he was disgruntled, but continued to work hard for the people of Kuala Kangsar.”

The Padang Rengas MP also said Ramly had close ties with the community.

Ramly was dropped in the 2013 general election. He was previously the Manong assemblyman.

Ramly, when approached, said he was prepared if nominated for the MP post and said had the full support of all the component parties.

A by-election will be held to fill the vacancy created after Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad was killed in the Sarawak helicopter crash last week.

Among the other five killed was Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Noriah Kasnon, who was the MP for Sungai Besar.

The Election Commission (EC) has received notice from the Dewan Rakyat that the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar constituencies have fallen vacant. It will announce details of the by-elections on May 13.