2 weeks Ago By Togi Marzuki
PONTIAN: Voters in Ayer Kuning, Perak, have two choices — elect a representative aligned with the government or one from the opposition.Umno Central War Room Secretariat chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said if voters opted for the opposition candidate, the constituency would become part of the opposition in the Perak state assembly until the next general election.He said it was important for voters there to choose the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, who is aligned with both the state government and the unity government at the federal level.
"We hope they make a wise decision by defending Ayer Kuning so it does not fall into other hands, as the previous assemblyman was from Umno."I believe it is not impossible to defend this seat, but those who are too comfortable must work harder. The opposition are not resting either — they are doing everything we are doing," he said at the Pontian parliamentary-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Jubli Intan Pontian here this morning.
Ahmad, who is also a Umno Supreme Council member, said he had visited the Ayer Kuning constituency nine times to meet with the Tapah Ukno division leadership and visit the district polling centres (PDMs)."From the feedback received, they want BN and Umno to continue representing the voters there, just like the late Ishsam Shahruddin," he said.Speaking on the BN candidate's background, Ahmad said Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir was highly educated and urged Ayer Kuning voters not to make a mistake.
Ahmad, who is also the Pontian member of Parliament, said Dr Mohamad Yusri's candidacy — as Tapah Umno division secretary — was agreed upon by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with the backing of Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad."Therefore, voters in Ayer Kuning will have a representative who is not only highly educated but also has children who excel academically," he said.Asked about global issues such as the implementation of tariffs by the United States, Ahmad, who is also a former deputy finance minister, said the matter would not affect voters' support for BN.
He said the issue had nothing to do with Malaysia, as stated by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), and could still be negotiated."The data provided to US President Donald Trump's officials was erroneous, claiming that Malaysia imposed a 47 per cent tariff on US imports."In reality, the tariff imposed on US goods entering Malaysia is only 5.
6 per cent, a far cry from 47 per cent," he said.Ahmad, who is also the Deputy Works Minister, said the Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26 would see a three-cornered fight involving BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) deputy secretary-general Bawani KS, 40."The Ayer Kuning by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, the late Ishsam Shahruddin, due to a heart attack on Feb 22.
"The electoral roll for the by-election lists 31,897 registered voters, comprising 31,315 ordinary voters and 582 police personnel and their spouses," he said. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
