Bangkok: The Election Commission (EC) is scheduled to hold a special meeting on December 16 to determine the key dates for the upcoming by-elections in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and the Lamag state constituencies. This decision follows the recent death of the incumbent representative, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on December 5.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, EC Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus confirmed that official notifications had been received from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya regarding the unexpected vacancies. These notifications were in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 21(5) of the Sabah State Constitution, which mandate that such vacancies must be filled within 60 days.

The special meeting will be chaired by EC Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun and will focus on finalizing important dates for the by-elections, such as the issuance of the election writ, nomination day, polling day, and the preparation of electoral rolls. A press conference is expected to follow the meeting to announce the decisions made.

Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin passed away at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 1:46 am on December 5, shortly after securing a second term as the Lamag state assemblyman. He was 66 years old. In the recent 17th Sabah State Election held on November 29, Bung Moktar successfully defended his Lamag state seat, winning by a majority of 153 votes in a competitive six-cornered contest.

Bung Moktar's political career extended to the national level when he became the Kinabatangan Member of Parliament, a position he first won during the 10th General Election in November 1999. He served in this capacity for six consecutive terms.

In a statement, Speaker Johari expressed condolences on behalf of the Malaysian Parliament to Bung Moktar's family, wishing them strength during this difficult time and praying for the departed's soul.