KKB polls: Let's move past personal attacks, says Perikatan candidate after academic credentials questioned

HULU SELANGOR: There is no need to resort to personal attacks when campaigning, says Khairul Azhari Saut.

Perikatan Nasional's Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election candidate, whose academic background was questioned recently, expressed his desire to move past mud-slinging.

"We have campaigned positively and wish to continue in this manner without resorting to personal attacks," he stated after a community event in Kampung Chuang on Sunday (April 28).

Khairul Azhari's academic qualifications became a hot topic after his academic qualifications – a diploma in executive management from Universiti Malaya in 2019, and a Master's degree in business management from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) in 2021– were called into question.

UMPSA CEO Dr Ahmad Johari Mohammad had later said that Khairul Azhari's academic qualifications were legitimate.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the explanation from Dr Ahmad Johari Mohammad who confirmed the validity of my continued studies," he said in a statement late Saturday (April 27) evening.

Khairul Azhari also said he received encouraging response from non-Malay voters, particularly the Chinese community, and was warmly received two days into the campaign.

"The interactions with Chinese voters have been positive, and I am pleased with the support shown," he said.

Khairul Azhari is engaged in a four-way contest for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat against Pakatan Harapan's Pang Sock Tao, Parti Rakyat Malaysia's Hafizah Zainudin, and Independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin. The polls are scheduled for May 11.