TAPAH: The candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election is chosen based on his capabilities, integrity and experience rather than age, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar, who is also the state Barisan Nasional chairman, said age is a subjective measure of leadership quality.
He said voters are open to choosing a good representative, and it does not have to be someone young or old.
“Being young is very subjective, as some will say being 40 is still young, some say under 50 is young, and some even say under 60 is still young.
“What is important is that we put forward a candidate who, in our opinion, can function as a good representative,” he told reporters after delivering a talk at the Orang Asli students' parenting seminar held at SM Sains Tapah here on Thursday (April 10).
Saarani was asked to comment on Perak PAS Youth secretary Nurhafizul Badrul Hisham’s Facebook post stating that Umno Youth had challenged PAS to field a young candidate, but they (Umno) announced a 54-year-old candidate instead.
He continued by claiming that the challenge was made by friends in Umno Youth itself, as their target was not really PAS, because the underlying message was a push for Umno leadership to field a young candidate.
On April 7, Barisan announced Tapah Umno secretary Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, 54, as its candidate.
Mohamad Yusri, an Islamic Studies PhD holder from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, is currently the Moral and Islamic Studies Department chief at the Ipoh campus of the Teachers' Training Institute.
Perikatan Nasional fielded Tapah PAS chief Abd Muhaimin Malik, 44, as its candidate.
Saarani said Dr Mohamad Yusri would continue the good work of the late assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin.
“Our candidate is quite on par — you could say he’s on the same level as the ustaz (religious teacher) fielded by the other side.
“But that too is subjective. This isn’t a contest between ustaz and ustaz. We are offering a good representative.
“Yes, our candidate is a public servant. So before contesting, he will resign, and on Thursday (April 10), he will receive his release letter from the Public Service Department,” he added.
The by-election for Ayer Kuning has been set for April 26, following the passing of its incumbent Ishsam of Barisan on Feb 22.
The nomination is scheduled for April 12, and early voting takes place on April 22.
Ishsam had won the seat in a five-cornered contest involving Barisan, Perikatan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, PSM and Gerakan Tanah Air.
