A definitive decision on the parliamentary status of an unnamed Selangor state assemblyman is expected this week, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The State Legislative Assembly Speaker will clarify the matter before the Election Commission determines whether a constitutional by-election is required following reports of bankruptcy.
Pending Assembly Clarification and Speaker Prerogative
The Selangor state administration is waiting for formal procedural steps from the legislature after circulating media reports alleged that an elected representative lost eligibility following a bankruptcy declaration. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stated that the state assembly Speaker, Lau Weng San, holds the authority to address the matter directly. When legislative proceedings commenced, the Speaker proceeded with the standard order of business without immediately addressing the vacancy rumours on the floor.
Amirudin emphasized that the executive branch cannot preempt legislative procedures. That is subject to the Speaker’s prerogative, not my position,
he said, adding that the state legal adviser is actively drafting a formal explanatory note to be conveyed to all relevant authorities.
Election Commission Oversight and Legal Requirements
Once the assembly finalizes its internal documentation this week, the official notice will be transmitted directly to the Election Commission. The independent electoral body holds the sole constitutional mandate to evaluate whether three years have elapsed in the current parliamentary term and whether a by-election must be called for the constituency.
Amirudin stressed that state officials must strictly adhere to statutory frameworks rather than political convenience. That is the Election Commission’s decision, not mine,
he noted. They will determine whether three years have elapsed, or whether a by-election must be held. We have to abide by that. It is not a question of choice. The choice available to us is to follow the law, and that is the best course.
Civil Servant Address and Enforcement Balances
The Menteri Besar delivered his remarks in Shah Alam during a gathering of state civil servants that coincided with the launch of the state-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang patriotic campaign. Shifting from legislative matters to municipal governance, Amirudin addressed ongoing public concerns regarding stray animal management and animal welfare enforcement across Selangor.
Stressing that public safety remains an institutional priority, Amirudin defended local enforcement officers against public criticism regarding animal control operations. Action has indeed been taken. Why are our officers being blamed? Because they acted. But if no action is taken, public safety becomes an issue,
he told reporters.
“We have been taking continuous action because, ultimately, the government must act in the public interest. The issue arises because of certain actions, but those actions must not be cruel or undermine compassion. Enforcement must therefore be carried out with restraint, and that is the balance we need to strike.”
Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Selangor Menteri Besar
Animal Welfare Penalties and Istana Alam Shah Response
The administrative defense of municipal enforcement followed a wave of public concern sparked by viral incidents of cruelty involving stray dogs and cats. Istana Alam Shah released statements indicating that Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, expressed deep sadness and anger over the footage, urging the Federal Government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to guarantee stricter and more consistent punishment for convicted offenders.
Amirudin affirmed that the state government acknowledges the royal concerns and remains fully committed to humane enforcement practices that balance compassion with community protection.
Timeline and Upcoming Announcements
State officials expect the assembly legal team to complete its formal documentation regarding the lawmaker’s seat status by this week at the latest.
