The former minister says the opposition coalition has not been at the forefront of championing many issues that could have put the government on the defensive.

Pakatan Harapan candidates Suhaizan Kayat and Nazri Abdul Rahman have won the Pulai seat and Simpang Jeram seat, respectively.

The Election Commission says there was a 59% turnout in the Simpang Jeram state constituency as of 5pm, while the Pulai parliamentary seat had recorded less than 50%.

The vote-tallying process is expected to be completed by as early as 8.30pm.

The Election Commission says the target will surpass the voter turnout recorded in the six state polls last month, if achieved.

The prime minister, however, appears to tie the practice to Perikatan Nasional.

The Perikatan Nasional chairman announces the coalition will field Zulkifli Jaafar for the Pulai seat and Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya for the Simpang Jeram constituency.

All the forms were purchased by Amanah, PAS, Perikatan Nasional, and independent candidates.

He says Barisan Nasional acknowledges that Amanah is the incumbent in those seats, formerly held by the late Salahuddin Ayub.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has revoked the six ordinances and proclamations of emergency promulgated in 2020 to prevent the holding of by-elections in Batu Sapi, Gerik and Bugaya amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The defeats, including one in a previously safe seat, could renew speculation about Johnson's future after he earlier this month survived one move by Conservative lawmakers against him.

Minister Takiyüddin Hassan says a decision will be made after the matter is referred to the health ministry and National Security Council.