Youth voters in Ayer Kuning: Perak MB says candidate's age 'subjective' factor

Summary

• Perak BN chairperson Saarani Mohamad says a candidate's age for the Ayer Kuning by-election is a subjective factor for success, even with 14,000 youth voters in the state.

• The Perak menteri besar urges voters to consider wisely and elect a candidate from the government who can further develop their area.

Perak BN chairperson Saarani Mohamad said today that even with over 14,000 youth voters, nearly half the number of total electorates in Ayer Kuning, the candidate's age remains a subjective factor in determining success at the upcoming by-election.

Berita Harian quoted Saarani as saying that regardless of whether BN names a youth or an older figure, voters should act wisely and elect a government representative who can better contribute to their area's development.

Saarani also noted that even if an opposition candidate were to win in the April 26 polls, it would not change the state BN and Pakatan Harapan coalition with 32 seats.

“Therefore, it does not matter whether they are new (young) or experienced individuals, as long as voters must be wiser in choosing their representative from the government.

“Young or old is also very subjective, but as long as the person is a representative who can serve well, we should not be fixated on that (young candidates) because everyone will eventually grow old,” said the Perak menteri besar after attending a state-level Women's Day celebration in Ipoh.

It was reported that Saarani is set to meet Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on March 12 to discuss the best choice among six candidates in the running for nominations.

State assembly sitting

Bernama quoted Saarani as saying that the Perak government has no plans to amend the dates for the state legislative assembly sitting, scheduled to take place from April 15 to 22.

Saarani said the by-election would not disrupt the state assembly sitting, as the government's machinery would assist in the election campaign.

"I don’t think it will cause any issues, even though the assembly session coincides with the campaign period. This is because the by-election campaign will be supported by the Unity Government’s party machinery," he said.

The EC has set nomination for April 12 and early voting for April 22.

The Ayer Kuning by-election will be held following the death of its assemblyperson, Ishsam Shahruddin, on Feb 22 from a heart attack.

Ayer Kuning goes to polls on April 26

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

Ayer Kuning polls: Boost efforts to lock BN candidate's win, Saarani says

Umno shortlists 6 candidates for Ayer Kuning by-election

PAS to contest Ayer Kuning by-election: Report

EC to discuss Ayer Kuning by-election on March 7