Ayer Kuning polls: Perak Harapan will back BN's bid to retain seat

Perak Pakatan Harapan will support BN in the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election, said Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Noble Values Implementation Ceremony today, Saifuddin said the move was to ensure that BN maintained its victory in the seat previously held by the late Ishsam Shahruddin.

"The decision to become a supporter was made based on the principle of the incumbent, and this is an agreement reached within the framework of the unity government," he said.

Saifuddin said Perak Harapan would start work after receiving instructions from the coalition chairperson and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to start mobilising and arrange work according to standard operating procedures.

"We will activate our machinery at the federal and state levels, then we will determine the logistical needs before delegating duties as our main objective is to ensure BN retains the seat,” he added.

The home minister also rubbished claims that Harapan would field a candidate for the seat in the by-election.

Six candidates

On March 1, Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad said six candidates from the Tapah Umno leadership had been finalised for the party supreme council’s consideration.

Saarani said the criteria for candidates to be highlighted in this by-election are as announced by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – using the term “wali” which is the acronym for winnable, acceptable and likeable candidate.

On Feb 28, Perak state assembly speaker Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid handed a notice of vacancy for the Ayer Kuning state seat to the Election Commission following Ishsam’s death.

Ishsam, 59, died of a heart attack after participating in a Quadrangular football tournament at the City Stadium in Penang on Feb 22.

The late Ishsam, who has been the Tapah Umno division chief since 2018. He won the state assembly seat in the 15th general election in November 2022 with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered contest.

The EC will hold a special meeting to discuss the Ayer Kuning by-election this Friday.

- Bernama

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