PUTRAJAYA: Unity government parties should exercise restraint when it comes to the candidate fielded for the Mahkota state seat in the upcoming by-election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman said that the matter will be discussed among the top party leadership within the unity government at the central level.

"We must embody the spirit of the unity government and not demand this-and-that. Please respect that if a seat belongs to a particular party, the (current) formula is that the seat will be allocated to that incumbent party," added Ahmad Zahid.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the Malaysia Rural Symposium 2024 at Damar Sari Hall on Thursday (Aug 8).

Ahmad Zahid was asked to comment on the calls made by Kluang Amanah division chief Dr Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain, who demanded that his party should be given a chance to contest in the Mahkota state seat.

Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain had passed away on Friday (Aug 2), three days after she was hospitalised.

Sharifah Azizah, who is also Kluang Wanita Umno chief, was admitted to hospital after suffering breathing difficulties on Tuesday.

Asked if there are any candidates that had been shortlisted to contest for the state seat, Ahmad Zahid said that it was premature to do so.

"We must sympathise with the family. Let's not be hasty in making political formulas, demanding this-and-that. The most important thing is that public services must continue," he added.

Ahmad Zahid added that the initial discussion had been made with Kluang MP (Wong Shu Qi) and the state assemblymen under the seat.

"I think it is too early to make any statement on the matter. In line with the spirit of the unity government, we will achieve consensus with the state government and also the central leadership. After that, we will organise whatever should be the best solution," he said.

On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said that discussions are still ongoing on the invites for the upcoming Umno General Assembly scheduled to take place from Aug 21 until Aug 24.

"In 2023, we invited representatives of leaders from the unity government.

"This time, we will see the availability of the leaders who can attend."

Asked if the official invite will be given to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Ahmad Zahid said that it has been discussed.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/08/exercise-restraint-zahid-tells-unity-govt-parties