PARTI Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) candidate Bawani KS made history as the first registered voter to cast her ballot in the Ayer Kuning state by-election, arriving punctually at 8 am at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Pheng Lok on Saturday.
The 39-year-old, who is also PSM Perak chairperson, was accompanied by the party’s deputy chairperson S. Arutchelvan and voted at the second polling stream.
Speaking to local media after casting her vote, Bawani said she was relieved that the campaign period had ended and expressed confidence that the voters would make the right decision.
“I feel very relieved. We’ve done our best throughout the two-week campaign,” she said.
“The rest is up to the people of Ayer Kuning. I hope they make the best choice.”
Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek cast his vote this morning at Sekolah Kebangsaan Ayer Kuning at 8.33 am. He was accompanied by his wife, Rabiah Aziz, and his parents, who also voted at the same polling centre.
Arriving at around 8.15 am with supporters and family members, Abd Muhaimin waited in line for about 15 minutes before voting.
Speaking to reporters outside the polling centre, he expressed his gratitude for the smooth voting process and praised the Election Commission staff for their efficient management.
“Alhamdulillah, I’ve cast my vote and the process went smoothly. I’m thankful to the Election Commission officers for ensuring everything ran well,” he said.
He also urged voters to come out early and assist those who may face difficulties in reaching polling centres.
“I encourage voters to come out early and help those with limitations get to the polling stations. If you have the means and energy, lend a hand to those in need,” he added.
Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, 54, fulfilled his civic duty at SK Sungai Lesong, arriving at 8.47 am.
Voters from first-timers to senior citizens began arriving at polling stations as early as 7.30 am under overcast skies.
A total of 19 polling centres comprising 63 voting streams opened simultaneously at 8 am today for the by-election.
Of these, 18 polling centres will remain open until 6 pm, except for Sekolah Kebangsaan Toh Tandewa Sakti, which will close earlier at 4 pm.
Bawani is facing Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir and Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek in a three-cornered contest prompted by the sudden passing of incumbent assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, due to a heart attack on 22 February.
The seat, part of the Tapah parliamentary constituency, fell vacant after Ishsam’s death. In the 15th General Election (GE15), he secured the seat for BN with a 2,213-vote majority in a five-way fight.
A total of 31,281 registered voters are eligible to vote in this by-election, with polling centres operating across the constituency.
Earlier in the week, 93.4 percent of 500 police personnel and their spouses cast their votes during early voting at two designated polling stations.
Additionally, the Election Commission (EC) issued 116 postal ballots to eligible voters. - April 26, 2025
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