COMMENT | Malaysia heads to another by-election campaign this weekend, the 13th overall since the 2022 general election.

This one involves a semi-rural state seat in southern Perak near the small town of Bidor and located in the parliamentary seat of Tapah.

The Ayer Kuning seat is a multiethnic one comprised of 56 percent Malays, 22 percent Chinese, 14 percent Indians and 8 percent Orang Asli.

The composition reflects the diversity of the area, which has a history of traditional Malay kampungs, Chinese new villages, historic Orang Asli settlements and rubber estates where Indian families still reside.

Just two hours north of Kuala Lumpur, the area retains the old charm and challenges of the past.

The election outcome will not impact the...