BARISAN NASIONAL (BN) has officially named Dr Yusri Bakir as its candidate for the forthcoming Ayer Kuning state by-election. The announcement was made by Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the Chairman of BN Perak, in the presence of BN Chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Dr Yusri, 53, is an experienced educationist with a strong background in academia and community leadership. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Islamic and Moral Education at the Ipoh Campus of the Teacher Education Institute and has been a Distinguished Lecturer (DG52) since 2020.
Holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Education from Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI), Dr Yusri is deeply involved in various volunteer organisations and educational bodies at both the district and state levels.

Politically, he has served as the Secretary of UMNO's Tapah division and the Secretary of BN’s Tapah parliamentary constituency since 2020. He has also held leadership roles within UMNO, including as the Division Information Chief and an active member of the UMNO Youth wing.
Born and raised in Temoh, Tapah, Dr Yusri has strong ties to the local community, having served as a member of the Tapah District Council and as the Chairman of the Tapah Children’s Education Organisation.
The by-election for the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Ayer Kuning was called following the unexpected death of its previous incumbent, Ishsham Shahrudin, in February. – April 7, 2025