Making the rounds: Mohamad Yusri (middle) meeting supporters during a walkabout in Kampung Tersusun Batu Empat, Tapah. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
TAPAH: The Barisan Nasional candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, hopes to help nurture a great generation in his constituency through education.
The Tapah Umno secretary said one of his top priorities is to see people’s lives change for the better through education.
“I have a background as an educator, so it is one of my main areas of focus.
“Education is important as it can change our mindset and transform our quality of life,” he said when met after a programme with the people in Kampung Tersusun Batu Empat here yesterday.
“It is my aim to create a great generation.”
Mohamad Yusri was formerly head of the Department of Islamic and Moral Education at the Ipoh Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education.
He has a doctorate in Islamic Education from the Sultan Idris University of Education.
He is vying for the state seat against Perikatan Nasional’s Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia deputy secretary general KS Bawani.
Polling is set for April 26 while early voting is on April 22.
The by-election was called after its incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, passed away on Feb 22.
In the 2022 general election, Ishsam polled 9,088 votes and won by a 2,213 majority, defeating Amanah’s Mohd Nazri Hashim, Muhammad Noor Farid of PAS, Pejuang’s Maziah Salim and Bawani.
Mohamad Yusri said it is normal to have an education gap between rural and urban areas, but that does not mean the folk in his constituency cannot be successful.
“We are confident that there can be a change in mindset.
“Whether they are from rural or urban areas, those who seek knowledge will be successful,” he added.
Mohamad Yusri also said that if he wins, he will continue the plans made by the late Ishsam for Ayer Kuning’s development.
“The late Ishsam told me the things he planned to do, and I will work hard to fulfil them,” he added.