Three-way fight in Ayer Kuning
AYER KUNING POLLS | The stage is set for a three-cornered fight over the Ayer Kuning state seat following the completion of the candidate nominations today.
The candidates - BN’s Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional’s Abdul Muhaimin Malek and PSM’s Bawani KS - submitted their nominations at the Dewan Merdeka in Tapah, Perak.
The candidates were...
Summary
The Ayer Kuning by-election will see a three-cornered fight between candidates from BN, PN and PSM.
Contenders will have two weeks for campaign activities before heading to the ballots on April 26.
The gathering of parties' supporters today sees hints at what upcoming campaigns will entail.
AYER KUNING POLLS | The stage is set for a three-cornered fight over the Ayer Kuning state seat following the completion of the candidate nominations today.
The candidates - BN’s Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional’s Abdul Muhaimin Malek and PSM’s Bawani KS - submitted their nominations at the Dewan Merdeka in Tapah, Perak.
The candidates were accompanied to the hall by hundreds of their supporters waving party flags while clad in party colours, with BN and PN’s crowds rivalling each other in size.
While PSM's crowd appeared significantly smaller than its rivals, their supporters remained outside the hall, braving the scorching sun to welcome Bawani after her nomination was finalised.
PSM's gathering included United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai) pro-tem chairperson P Ramasamy, who previously announced the party's intent to campaign and shed light on the grievances faced by the Indian community under the current government.
Also spotted among the crowd were several Muda members, including its acting president Amira Aisya.
Some PN supporters had opted to tote to the centre posters of DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke making a hushing motion, in an apparent reference to his previous "shut up" remark directed at critics.
A Gerakan source told Malaysiakini that the posters were mooted by the party in response to Loke's "arrogant" attitude, with PN expected to raise the issue of his comment during the campaign period.
Loke, who is also the transport minister, had berated those who had questioned DAP for setting up a donation fund to assist those affected by the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion.
Election Commission (EC) returning officer Ahmad Redhauddin Ahmad Shokori declared the three candidates for the by-election at around 10.15am after a ballot was held to determine the order of contenders' names.
‘No ill feelings’
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed confidence that there are no ill feelings between Tapah Umno Youth and Yusri, who is also the Tapah Umno secretary.
When asked about the possibility of the Umno division youth wing boycotting the chosen candidate, Zahid answered in the negative, adding that its chief Fahmi Ahmad Jakhisi has been constantly kept in the loop.
"(Fahmi) has been part of every meeting held (regarding the Ayer Kuning by-election), whether at the state or division level.
"God willing, (Tapah Umno Youth's) machinery will give their full support to Yusri," added Zahid, who is also the Umno president.
In campaigning for Yusri, the rural and regional development minister said the BN candidate's win would ensure continued developments within the Ayer Kuning state constituency.
"Coincidentally, Ayer Kuning is in a rural area. God willing, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry will look into continued infrastructure development efforts," said Zahid, who is also a deputy prime minister.
Yusri’s contenders
Yusri's opposition, Tapah PN chief Abdul Muhaimin, said he is hoping for a clean and rakyat-friendly campaign period, noting that he is aiming to embody democracy through his candidacy.
PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani asserted that Ayer Kuning voters are seeking a third force capable of bringing change, with PSM's forces expected to be strengthened by Muda's aid aimed at appealing to younger voters.
The Ayer Kuning by-election was called following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, on Feb 22. He was also the Tapah Umno division chief.
The EC has set April 12 as nomination day while early voting is scheduled for April 22.
