On the ground: Azmin speaking during Question Time at the Selangor State Assembly Building. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Bersatu intends to get a win for Perikatan Nasional candidate from PAS in Ayer Kuning although it is a difficult seat for the coalition, says Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
The Bersatu and Perikatan secretary-general said the coalition will still put up a fight although PAS had never won the state seat in Perak in the last five election rounds.
He said following news on the vacancy of the state seat, Perikatan had established that a PAS candidate is to be fielded in the by-election, adding that this was because the coalition member had “traditionally” contested there.
Azmin said a meeting had been held with PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan to discuss joint preparations by the two parties and coalition members Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People Party (MIPP).
“We will work hard on the ground to secure a majority of votes.
“It is a relatively difficult seat but achievable with a strong campaign machinery and face-to-face engagement with voters to explain the current pressing situation.
“The main focus will be on the cost of living, inflation and socio-economic issues,” Azmin said, adding that the coalition will bank on Malay support.
The Ayer Kuning seat is part of the Tapah parliamentary constituency, the other being Chenderiang.
Azmin also said it is necessary to woo outstation voters to return to vote.
He said as the by-election would be held on April 26 after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, outstation voters may be reluctant to make a second trip back for the polls.
“Outstation voters must be convinced to fulfil their responsibility. The journey from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to Perak is not far,” he added.
The Ayer Kuning by-election is being called following the death of its assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin on Feb 22.
Since its inception in 1986, Ayer Kuning – which now has 31,897 voters – has always been won by Barisan Nasional, namely Umno.
In the 2022 general election, Ishsam won the seat with a 2,213-vote majority in a five-cornered contest involving Barisan, Perikatan, Pakatan Harapan, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Gerakan Tanah Air.
Nomination for the by-election has been set for April 12 and early voting is on April 22.
