Saravanan confident BN can retain Ayer Kuning seat

Summary

• MIC deputy president M Saravanan says BN will contest in the Ayer Kuning polls as an “underdog” but is confident of victory.

• However, the Tapah MP says he will not underestimate the PAS challenger.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan is confident that BN can retain the Ayer Kuning state seat in the upcoming by-election on April 26, despite competing as the "underdog”.

Ayer Kuning is part of the Tapah parliamentary constituency, of which Saravanan is the MP.

He said BN has a strong relationship with voters in the constituency.

"We are confident that BN will retain the Ayer Kuning seat, and we are ready to face this by-election.

"If we look at Tapah, it is the only parliamentary seat that has never lost in four terms. Our relationship with voters is very close, and we regularly meet them to resolve any issues.

"I also believe we will win with a larger majority.

"But we will still work as the underdog. We will win big, but that doesn’t mean we can relax - we will continue working as the underdog," he said when asked about developments regarding the Ayer Kuning by-election.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the polling day for the Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for April 12 and April 22, respectively.

The by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, who was also the Tapah Umno division chief.

He passed away from a heart attack while participating in a football tournament in Penang on Feb 22.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to announce the party’s candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election about a week before the nomination date on April 12.

Not underestimating PAS candidate

Meanwhile, Saravanan stated BN would accept any candidate chosen by the leadership.

"Whoever the candidate is, we leave it to the leadership, and we will accept whoever is selected," the former minister added.

Regarding Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) decision to field a candidate from PAS, Saravanan said his party had no issues facing their opponent.

"We have competed against PAS before, so it is not a problem.

"While I won't underestimate the PAS candidate, we have an advantage," he added.

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

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