MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M Saravanan has expressed strong optimism on a win for Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming Ayer Kuning state by-election.
Speaking to reporters today after completion of the nomination day processes, he cited the robust support on the ground had led him and other BN leaders to believe that there was sense of growing confidence among local voters.
Reflecting on the atmosphere during the nomination day process, Saravanan was upbeat about BN’s momentum going into the campaign period.
“If we go by the turnout during the nomination day, it looks like we have already won the seat,” he said.
“But we won’t take anything for granted. We will continue working on the ground until the final day of campaigning. Based on the feedback from local voters, I am confident the BN candidate will emerge victorious.”
When asked about the sentiment among Indian voters in the constituency — a crucial demographic — Saravanan acknowledged that there was some dissatisfaction within the community, particularly in light of recent controversies.
“There are quite a number of people who are not happy, and I understand why,” he said.
“As I’ve said before, this comes down to how certain individuals like Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong have handled things. These individuals ae only there to provoke and stir sentiments around sensitive issues.”
Pressed on whether these concerns could affect BN’s performance at the ballot box, Saravanan remained confident, suggesting that the Indian community is have become more mature.
“I believe the Indian community is now more mature. They can see for themselves what’s happening,” he said.
“I just want to remind everyone — especially the Indian community — that suspicions are growing. People are starting to wonder whether there are hidden hands behind these issues.”
While he stopped short of explicitly naming the controversies or those involved who are seen to be at the centre of recent public controversies, Saravanan’s remarks suggested a broader concern about political manipulation and social division being fuelled by certain people unknown.
The by-election, scheduled for 26 April, is shaping up to be a significant test for all parties involved — not just in terms of securing the Ayer Kuning seat, but in gauging the shifting sentiments among key voter blocs.
Earlier, Saravanan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tapah, said that BN holds a significant advantage due to its long-standing relationship with the local community and its consistent on-the-ground presence.
“We have gone to the ground and met with voters in residential areas, providing assistance where needed,” he said, adding, “This was not done merely because of the by-election, but because of the close relationship that has long existed with the electorate.”
The Ayer Kuning by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, who collapsed during a football match in Penang on 22 February.
Ishsam, who contested under the UMNO banner for the first time in the 15th General Election (GE15), won the seat with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-way contest against candidates from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), and Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA).
While confident in BN’s prospects, Saravanan said he was not underestimating the capabilities of opposing parties, particularly PAS, which maintains a strong presence in Tapah.
“I do not underestimate our opponents, especially PAS in Tapah, but we have our own strengths. With the strong backing of the people, I am confident we will secure a win with a larger majority in this by-election,” he added.
“I respect the decision announced by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and I will fully support the candidate,” he said.
The by-election is seen as a crucial indicator of voter sentiment in the post-GE15 political landscape, and parties are expected to intensify their campaigns in the coming days ahead of polling day on 26 April. - April 12, 2025
