TAPAH: Barisan Nasional is expected to unveil its manifesto for Ayer Kuning earliest on Monday (April 21), says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said his media team would be negotiating with the candidate, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, as he would be the one presenting the manifesto.
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“Like I mentioned, the state-level manifesto is done by the state, but of course, as a candidate who God willing will be elected as a representative, he has his own inspirations and ideas about what he wants to portray for Ayer Kuning.
“So he will present how Ayer Kuning should be shaped, including matters relating to people and the local area,” he told reporters after the “Jelajah AIM TVET- Cikgu Saarani” programme held at the Tapah Sports Complex here on Saturday (April 19).
On April 15, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) candidate Bawani KS became the first contender in the Ayer Kuning by-election to unveil a campaign manifesto, outlining three key pledges centred on inclusive development, improved infrastructure and more efficient local governance.
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Perikatan Nasional’s candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek, who is yet to unveil his manifesto said, addressing concerns from villagers related to their farmlands such as wild animals damaging their crops, would be among the point highlighted when his manifesto is ready.
On a question regarding the various complaints from residents, and potential voters over the past week and would that be taken into account into the manifesto, Saarani said this happened in every by-election.
“Even area outside of election, when the Mentri Besar is present in any area, often complaints are brought forward.
“However we need to evaluate whether the complaints are general which meaning needs a general solution, in which case we prioritise it.
“But if the complaints are personal or come from a small group, they are of a lower priority.
“For example, if there is a water pressure issue and it affects 1,000 homes, that is a high priority. But if it’s just one house at the end of a road complaining of low water pressure, then that’s low priority,” he added.
On racial and religious sentiments surfacing during the campaign period, and how was Barisan’s machinery moving to avoid such provocations, Saarani said he had informed all Barisan’s election workers that they want to win without engaging in form of slander.
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“Secondly we will not create issues that could cause division among the local voters.
“Most campaigners are from Perlis, Kedah, or Johor, and after the election, they will return to their respective states, and the ones who will remain are the voters.
“That is why I have instructed that there should not be provocation. They should refrain from starting any arguments,” he added.
Saarani added that sometimes, even within one household, there are Barisan, and Perikatan supporters.
“So don’t let political differences or excessive provocation cause conflict in the family or among the local community.
“Every village has both BN and PN supporters. They use the same mosque. Let’s not allow the election to cause disunity.
“I have made this very clear, and if PN wants to do that, that is up to them. But as the Mentri Besar, I want to govern this state with love, peace, and harmony,” he said.
Saarani said there were all kinds of provocations, and people should not get personal.
“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes when we point out others’ weaknesses, those same weaknesses are in us.
“Once we bring up someone else’s flaws, they will bring up ours. None of us are perfect, including myself.
“Secondly, we practice freedom of religion. While Islam is the official religion, the constitution allows the practice of other religions.
“So don’t provoke or belittle other faiths, this is not allowed by the constitution, and also not by any religion,” he added.
On the candidate’s performance since campaigning, Saarani said everyone involved on the ground has been giving positive feedback.
“I am quite confident we will win, God willing. But we must not take things for granted as victory depends on the number of ballots cast.
“On paper, yes, BN is ahead. But everyone needs to go back to their polling places and vote for BN.
“Don’t forget to cast your vote, every vote counts. Even though I say we will win, don’t assume that you don’t need to votes,” he said.
On how Barisan was reaching out to voters from out of town, Saarani said they were calling them personally if they had their numbers, and also but using media outreach platforms.
On the Opposition playing the issue of illegal pig farms, as well as legal farms set-up at Malay majority areas in Ayer Kuning, Saarani said that issue would be addressed by the State Human Resources, Health, National Integration, and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman A. Sivanesan.
Saarani said with Sivanesan as the state executive council member responsible for that issue, and since he took on the role, he has made several improvements.
“So I believe we should wait for his winding-up speech in the on-going state assembly sitting, because if I speak now, it may not align with his official stance,” he added.
