KLUANG: It is still too early to announce the vacancy for Mahkota state seat, says Johor state speaker Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
Mohd Puad, who is also Rengit assemblyman and Umno supreme council member, said they would inform the matter to the Election Commission (EC) soon.
"We are saddened by Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain's death.
"Out of respect to her family who just lost their mother, I will not be making any statements over the vacancy of the Mahkota state seat.
"I will issue a statement on Saturday (Aug 3) or Sunday (Aug 4)," he said after paying his respects to Sharifah Azizah at her house here on Friday (Aug 2).
He also said that they once served together as senators in Dewan Negara.
Meanwhile, Umno Wanita chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad, who is also Parit Sulong MP, said the country has lost a leader who had contributed much to the local community.
The Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister added that the death of Sharifah Azizah was deeply felt by all who knew her.
"Even though she was unwell, she still worked and carried out her responsibilities as a leader. She put the community before herself," she said.
Johor Umno Wanita chief Asiah Md Arif said that Sharifah Azizah was an experienced leader as she held the Kluang Umno Wanita chief for more than 30 years.
"She gave her full service for more than 40 years. We feel the loss of such a great leader, who was a close friend of mine," she said.