The presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the upcoming Kuala Kangsar by-election campaign will not lure Barisan Nasional supporters from among the voters, away from the coalition.

UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said this was because the people had lost faith in the former prime minister.

"If he comes (to Kuala Kangsar), we are very happy because I don't think he will attract votes because the people will just dislike his presence and probably, vote for us," said the tourism and culture minister at the Parliament lobby here today.

Meanwhile, another UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said during the by-election, the people would not just adhere to what Dr Mahathir and the opposition had to say.

"Dr Mahathir is part of the opposition now and they will say all bad things and create all sort of issues. Whether the people listen or not, they win or not, it is up to the people to judge," he said.

The by-election is being held following the death of Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar, who was also Malaysian Palm Oil Berhad chairman, in a helicopter crash in Sarawak on May 5.

Also killed in the crash was Sungai Besar (Selangor) MP and deputy plantation industries and commodities minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon.

A total of five people perished in the crash.

The by-election for Sungai Besar has also been scheduled for June 18. Nominations for both by-elections are on June 5.