Chosen one: Mohamad Yusri (middle) flanked by Saarani and Ahmad Zahid during the event in Temoh, near Tapah, Perak. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
TAPAH: Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, who is Tapah Umno division secretary, is Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election.
The announcement was made by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad during the launch of the coalition’s election machinery by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Kampung Tersusun Haji Tahir multi-purpose hall in Temoh near here yesterday.
The 54-year-old holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, and is currently the Moral and Islamic Studies Department head at the Ipoh campus of the Teachers Training Institute.
Mohamad Yusri, who is married and has four children, expressed his deep gratitude to the party leadership and pledged to uphold the legacy of the late assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin.
“I would like to thank Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid, Datuk Seri Saarani and the entire Barisan leadership – especially Tapah Umno – for placing their trust in me to represent Barisan in this by-election,” he said in a speech following the announcement.
Mohamad Yusri emphasised the importance of unity and collective commitment in securing victory and serving the people of Ayer Kuning.
“God willing, with the cooperation and commitment from all of us, we can bring meaningful progress to the Ayer Kuning state constituency.
“We aim to continue the planning and initiatives laid out by the late assemblyman,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the announcement of the candidate followed a thorough vetting process, where six names shortlisted were submitted to the Barisan top leadership for review.
He said after careful evaluation of backgrounds and reports from multiple agencies, Mohamad Yusri was selected.
“Alhamdulillah, Dr Yusri has been chosen. He comes with a strong religious background and solid academic qualifications.
“On top of that, I was informed that his wife is of Chinese descent – something we hope will serve as an added advantage in reaching out to a diverse voter base,” he said at a press conference.
Ahmad Zahid said that both Barisan and Pakatan Harapan’s machinery will work hand-in-hand to ensure a win for Mohamad Yusri.
Saarani, in his speech earlier, said Barisan had set a target of securing at least 18,000 votes in the by-election.
He said with 31,897 registered voters in the Ayer Kuning constituency, and an estimated 75% turnout, they could expect about 24,000 people to cast their ballots.
“In the last general election (GE15), the late BN candidate received 9,080 votes, with Amanah’s candidate receiving 6,875 votes and Perikatan Nasional’s candidate getting 6,812 votes.
“So with the combined support from Pakatan Harapan, we are looking at about 15,000 votes – but now we aim higher, since the machinery consists of volunteers from throughout the country.”
The by-election, set to be held on April 26, was called following Ishsam’s death on Feb 22.
Nomination has been set for April 12 and early voting is on April 22.
In the 2022 general election, Ishsam won the seat, a Barisan stronghold, with a 2,213-vote majority in a five-cornered contest involving Barisan, Perikatan, Pakatan, Parti Sosialis Malaysia and Gerakan Tanah Air.
