Maintain political maturity during by-election campaigns - Zahid

The era of political maturity must be maintained and interpreted during the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-elections, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the unity showed by the political parties on nominations day, especially in Sungai Besar on Sunday, should carry on.

"For the first time we see peace among the three parties, and I am sure the same goes to the candidates.

"Leaders of the three parties have been able to meet not only to talk about politics, but had their meals together," he told reporters after accompanying the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Sungai Besar, here, today.

Ahmad Zahid believed what happened wasn't merely out of respect for Ramadan, but more than that.

"I think it's not just out of respect for Ramadan, but if differences can be celebrated with character and admiration, then we can leave it to the people to choose who they regard as the best party," she said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said, out of respect for Islam, BN candidates will not be out campaigning. Instead, recorded speeches will be distributed during the campaign.

"The Kuala Kangsar BN candidate will not appear in public, but we will use multimedia campaigns according to target groups that have been identified," he said.

The Sungai Besar parliamentary by-election sees a three-cornered contest among BN, PAS and Parti Amanah Negara.

The candidates are Budiman Mohd Zohdi of BN, Dr Abdul Rani Osman of PAS and Azhar Abdul Shukur of Amanah.