Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam has been appointed BN's election director for the Merlimau by-election, polling of which is on March 6.

NONEAnnouncing this here today, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (left)
said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is also BN chairperson, had given his consent to Mohd Ali being appointed as the election director for the by-election.

"We have full confidence in Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam to lead the BN election machinery to defend the seat," he told reporters after attending an aid-presentation ceremony at the Pekan Ayer Panas moque in Labis.

Nomination is on Feb 26.

The seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent assemblyperson Mohamad Hidhir Abu Hassan, 54, of the BN due to a heart attack on Jan 20.

In the 2008 general election, Mohamad Hidhir defeated PAS' Jasme Tompang by a majority of 2,154 votes.

Meanwhile, on tomorrow's Tenang by-election here, Muhyiddin urged voters to turn up early to vote and not worry about their safety.

He said the Chief Police Officer of Johor had given an assurance that voter safety and security would be guaranteed.

"I wish to advise Tenang voters to come out in numbers to cast their votes.

"We are also hoping for a high voter turnout.

"I am confident Tenang voters will come out to vote even if there is a typhoon," he said.

- Bernama