UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed today that the party will shortlist candidates for the Ayer Kuning by-election in Perak based on the criteria of "Wali," an acronym representing winnable, acceptable, and likeable.
These three qualities, Zahid explained, will be essential in selecting candidates who not only align with the party's vision but also have the potential to resonate with the local electorate.
Speaking at the launch of a new agricultural initiative by Felcra Bhd, Zahid, who also serves as Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that discussions would be held with key figures such as Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad to ensure the right candidate is chosen.
“We will give an opportunity to all groups before shortlisting the potential candidates,” he told reporters.
The Ayer Kuning state seat became vacant following the sudden death of its assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, who passed away from a heart attack in Penang on February 22. Shahruddin, who had led the Tapah Umno Division since 2018, was a first-term assemblyman and had secured the seat in the 15th General Election with a majority of 2,213 votes, garnering a total of 9,088 votes in a five-cornered contest.
Zahid’s comments on candidate selection came as he was joined by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Felcra Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub for the event, which showcased Felcra’s new agricultural project in Tanjung Seratus, New Straits Times reported today.
The project aims to innovate the broiler farming industry by employing a "closed house system," where chickens are raised in a controlled, environmentally regulated space. – February 26, 2025
