KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 18): The Gerik parliamentary seat, which unexpectedly fell vacant following the demise of its representative Datuk Hasbullah Osman two days ago, must be filled within 60 days of its vacancy, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun.

In a statement today, Azhar said he had notified the chairman of the Election Commission (EC) of the passing of the Member of Parliament (MP), adding that the EC will ascertain when the seat became vacant.

Hasbullah died of a heart attack on Monday evening.

The late Umno politician won the Gerik parliamentary seat in the 14th general election (GE14), beating his opponents — PAS' Mohd Dahalan Ismail and PKR's Ibrahim Mohd Hanafiah — with a 5,528 majority.

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