{
  "id": 1581808,
  "title": "Explainer: What makes a by-election necessary in Malaysia, and when it is not?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/explainer-what-makes-a-by-election-necessary-in-malaysia-and-when-it",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/18/edited-explainer-what-makes-a-by-election-necessary-in-malaysia-and-when-it-is-not/231321"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "By-elections in Malaysia occur when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant due to reasons other than the dissolution of Parliament. This requires the Election Commission (EC) to hold an election within sixty days of notification. Vacancies can arise if an incumbent resigns, is expelled, dies, or is disqualified from holding office. Disqualification for criminal conviction only applies after an appeal or royal pardon has concluded.\n\nThe disqualification provision under Article 49A, also known as the anti-party hopping law, came into effect in 2022. It automatically strips MPs of their seats if they switch parties. However, resignations do not automatically trigger a by-election, except in two scenarios. If the vacancy occurs within two years prior to the scheduled general election, the seat doesn't need to be filled. The second exception is when the vacancy doesn't affect the party commanding a majority in the Dewan Rakyat, such as in the current unity government led by Pakatan Harapan. In this case, the Subang, Pandan, and Setiawangsa seats in Malaysia may remain vacant until the next general election.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — The Election Commission (EC) has said there will not be a by-election held in the Subang pa...",
  "key_points": [
    "By-elections triggered by non-dissolution vacancies in Malaysia.",
    "Vacancies due to resignation, expulsion, death, or disqualification.",
    "Disqualification applies after appeal or royal pardon, not resignation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Explainer: What makes a by-election necessary in Malaysia, and when it is not?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/explainer-what-makes-a-by-election-necessary-in-malaysia-and-when-it-1587584",
        "published": "2026-08-17T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}