THE nomination centre for the Ayer Kuning state assembly seat by election opened at 9am and will operate for one hour, with the process concluding at 10am. Returning Officer Ahmad Redhauddin Ahmad Shokori is expected to formally announce the list of eligible candidates shortly thereafter.
The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled polling day for 26 April, while early voting will take place on 22 April. The official campaign period begins immediately after the declaration of candidates and will run for 14 days, ending at 11.59pm on 25 April.
The Ayer Kuning state constituency has a total of 31,897 registered voters, comprising 31,315 ordinary voters and 582 police personnel along with their spouses.
In the 15th General Election (GE15), Ishsam successfully retained the seat for Barisan Nasional (BN), winning by a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered contest.
This by-election is expected to attract considerable attention as parties gear up for a crucial test of public sentiment in the wake of recent political developments.
Once the nomination process is complete, candidates have 14 days to campaign to garner votes in the state constituency, which is one of the two state seats under the Tapah parliamentary constituency.
Rain is expected throughout the nomination process based on a forecast on the Malaysian Meteorological Department website.
It was earlier reported that seven nomination forms for the Ayer Kuning by-election were sold as of yesterday morning.
The by-election was called following the death of incumbent assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who collapsed during a football match at the City Stadium in George Town, Penang, on 25 February.
Early voting scheduled for April 22 and voters in Ayer Kuning will head to the polls on 26 April to elect a new representative.
Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN), and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) have each announced their respective candidates to contest the state seat.
BN has named Tapah UMNO Division secretary Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, 54, as its candidate representing the Unity Government.
PN will be fielding Tapah PN chief Abdul Muhaimin Malek, 44, while PSM has nominated its deputy secretary-general Bawani KS, 40.
Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said a total of 778 officers and personnel will be assigned for the nomination today.
Political Leaders and Supporters Bring Festive Atmosphere to Ayer Kuning Nomination Day
A typically calm Saturday morning in Tapah was transformed into a lively and colourful scene, as party leaders and grassroots supporters gathered in full force to accompany their candidates in the nomination process for the Ayer Kuning state seat by-election.
The clear weather provided the perfect backdrop for the early morning show of solidarity, with party faithful assembling as early as 7am to lend moral support to their respective hopefuls.
Among the earliest arrivals were Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate representing the Unity Government.
Dressed in a traditional blue Baju Melayu and sampin, Dr Mohamad Yusri — who also serves as the Secretary of UMNO Tapah Division — made his way to the BN assembly point at precisely 7:08am.
He was accompanied by top coalition figures, including BN Chairman and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Perak BN Chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and UMNO Vice-President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The event also saw strong support from other Unity Government coalition partners, with Amanah President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Perak DAP Chairman Nga Kor Ming making appearances in a clear show of unity across party lines.
On the opposing side, Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek, who also chairs PN Tapah, arrived with an entourage of supporters that included senior PN leaders such as PAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and BERSATU Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
The spirited gathering on nomination day signals the start of a highly anticipated by-election campaign for the Ayer Kuning seat.
The Election Commission (EC) has set 26 April as polling day, with early voting scheduled for 22 April.
The nomination process officially kicks off a two-week campaign period that is expected to intensify as both coalitions vie for support in this key Perak constituency. - April 12, 2025
