He said this in response to queries if a by-election was needed following the death of Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin yesterday, Bernama reported.

The Perak state polls took place on Nov 19, 2022, in conjunction with the 15th general election (GE15).

A by-election need not be held only if a vacancy occurs after the three-year threshold.

Ishsam, 59, died yesterday after suffering a heart attack while participating in a football tournament in Penang.

Earlier, Perak state speaker Zahir Abdul Khalid told reporters that the Election Commission (EC) would be notified of the Ayer Kuning seat vacancy as early as Tuesday.

The EC will then meet and decide on the nomination and polling dates for the by-election, which must take place within 60 days after a seat becomes vacant.

Separately, Saarani said he received a phone call from Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi this morning, asking him to prepare for the upcoming by-election in Ayer Kuning immediately, NST reported.

“This morning, I received a call from the deputy prime minister, who is also the Umno president.

“We discussed the matter and decided that we will not wait for the EC’s announcement.

“Instead, we will immediately begin programmes and activities focused on winning the by-election,” he was quoted as saying.