“We have identified several prospective candidates, including for the Batu Sapi (parliamentary seat). We are also ready for the by-election,” he told a press conference here today.

Shafie, who is Semporna MP, said it was up to the Election Commission to fix the election date to fill the vacancy in Bugaya.

The Bugaya seat fell vacant after its representative, Manis Muka Mohd Darah of Warisan, died of kidney disease on Nov 17, 2020.

Last Thursday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong cancelled six Covid-19 emergency ordinances and proclamations which had prevented by-elections from being held for the Batu Sapi and Gerik parliamentary seats and the Bugaya state seat.

On the 2023 budget, Shafie said although it was the largest ever in the country’s history, the RM6.3 billion allocation for Sabah was insufficient, especially in terms of development expenditure.