IPOH: Barisan Nasional is set to announce its candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election today.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to make the announcement during the launch of Barisan’s election machinery at Kampung Tersusun Haji Tahir in Temoh, Tapah, around 3pm.
The candidate is said to have been chosen from a shortlist of six names submitted by the Tapah Umno division.
Among the frontrunners, according to party sources, are Tapah Umno vice-chief Safri Mohamad Salih, division secretary Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakri and division Youth chief Fahmi Ahmad Jakhisi, who is also state Umno vice-chairman.
Barisan will contest against candidates from PAS and PSM in the by-election scheduled for April 26.
Nomination day falls on April 12, while early voting is set for April 22.
The by-election was triggered by the death of incumbent assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who passed away from a heart attack after a football match in George Town, Penang, on Feb 22.
In the 2022 General Election, Ishsam secured 9,088 votes, winning the seat with a 2,213-vote majority.
