MB: Ongoing projects in Ayer Kuning approved before by-election called

AYER KUNING POLLS | The ongoing development and infrastructure projects in the Ayer Kuning state constituency were approved before the by-election was called, said Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad.

He cited the traffic dispersal project in Tapah town, which was in progress, saying that it was approved when Ishsam Shahruddin was still the Ayer Kuning assemblyperson.

The project is scheduled for completion on April 30, he said, adding that Ishsam had also applied for allocations for the development of mosques, surau and religious schools in the constituency.

He said Ishsam made the application through a letter dated Feb 20, two days before he died.

"I only opened the letter on Feb 24. I didn't have the heart to not approve it because it was a request before he passed away," he told a press conference after launching the “Bantuan Sara Diri dan Kecemasan, Bantuan Baucar Buku” today.

Saarani (above) said this in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's reminder against the use of government machinery or allocations for campaigning in the Ayer Kuning state by-election.

BN candidate Yusri Bakir, when met at the Jualan Sejahtera Rakyat Ayer Kuning programme, expressed confidence in his chances of winning the by-election despite the absence of government machinery and allocations.

“I remain confident that our hard work will pay off. The public's reception has been encouraging. Insya Allah, we will achieve our goal,” he said.

Yusri is expected to present his manifesto to the people in the state constituency soon.

Saarani said the manifesto would be revealed within the next two or three days.

"As for the candidate, perhaps he has aspirations or plans if he is elected (as the representative), there are things he wants to do in the area.

"We will review it because the state government implements most development (projects). However, if there are specific initiatives that the (BN candidate) wishes to pursue, we will discuss them and make them part of the candidate’s manifesto," he said.

The Ayer Kuning by-election, called following Ishsam’s death last Feb 22, witnessed a three-cornered contest between Yusri, Perikatan Nasional candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek and PSM candidate Bawani KS.

The Election Commission has set April 26 for polling day, while early voting is on April 22

Razman’s suspension

On Perak state assembly opposition leader Razman Zakaria’s suspension, Saarani said it would not provide PN any advantage in the by-election.

He said Razman's racially charged and seditious statements during the state assembly session on Dec 2 last year violated the Standing Orders of the Perak State Legislative Assembly.

"If (the opposition uses this issue as campaign material) in Ayer Kuning, I can explain that the actions of their leader were wrong. We are not attempting to oppress anyone. This suspension is in accordance with clear rules," he said.

The decision to suspend Razman during today's session was made after the matter was referred to the State Assembly's Committee of Rights and Privileges on Dec 4.

During the state assembly session in December of last year, Razman was reported to have made racially provocative and seditious remarks, which caused offence under Standing Orders 40 (11)(b) and (c).

- Bernama

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