Malaysia

Zahid regrets use of racial and religious rhetoric in Ayer Kuning by-election campaign

DPM says campaign tactics in the state by-election carries continuous use of racial, religious, and royal sensitive (3R) issues in political messaging

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 20 Apr 2025 5:20PM

Zahid regrets use of racial and religious rhetoric in Ayer Kuning by-election campaign
The campaign momentum is picking up, but I strongly disapprove of the tactics that still involve inappropriate issues, personal matters, and trivial problems - April 20, 2025

BARISAN Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that election campaigns should focus on promoting a party’s strengths and the capabilities of its candidates, rather than resorting to personal attacks or exploiting divisive issues.

"I see the campaign momentum is picking up, but I strongly disapprove of the tactics that still involve inappropriate issues, personal matters, and trivial problems," he said when speaking to reporters after attending the Wacana Aspirasi Bersama Timbalan Perdana Menteri programme earlier today.

Commenting on the recent defection of former Kampong Gajah assemblywoman Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin from UMNO to PAS, Zahid described it as a personal decision rather than one driven by ideology.

"During nomination day, I met her while we were accompanying the BN candidate. But a week later, she followed her husband. Perhaps that’s the best way for her to attain paradise,” he remarked.

Wan Norashikin submitted her PAS membership form last night during a Mega Ceramah event for the Ayer Kuning by-election in Kampung Tanjung Keramat, Tapah.

She was accompanied by her husband, Tapah PAS division secretary Muhammad Noor Farid Zainal, and officially welcomed by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.

The Ayer Kuning by-election sees a three-cornered contest between BN’s Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Bawani KS from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).

The Election Commission has set polling day for April26, with early voting taking place on April22. - April 20, 2025

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