BN retains Ayer Kuning with 5,006 majority

BARISAN Nasional (BN) won the Ayer Kuning by-election with a 5,006 majority

The results were announced by returning officer Ahmad Redhauddin Ahmad Shokori at the vote tallying centre at Dewan Merdeka in Tapah.

BN’s Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir better known as Ustaz Yusri received 11,065 votes, while Perikatan Nasional’s Abdul Muhaimin Malek got 6,059 votes followed by Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) candidate K. S. Bawani with 1,106 votes.

There were a total 289 rejected votes, while 58.07 per cent of total voters cast their votes.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi extended his congratulations to the coalition's machinery and supporters following their victory.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said Zahid, who contacted him soon after the result was announced, also thanked all BN and unity government machinery who had worked tirelessly throughout the campaign.

"Datuk Seri Zahid congratulated all of us and expressed his gratitude to all the machinery that worked hard, as well as to the voters of Ayer Kuning who gave their support to BN," he said.

Tapah MP Datuk Seri S Saravanan who has been present throughout the campaign period said though they were confident of victory, they did not take anything for granted.

“Our team worked hard throughout the campaign period and left no stone unturned. We visited as many constituents as possible and spent time listening to and understanding any issues they faced,” he said.

The MIC deputy president also thanked all the voters and unity government members for their support.

During the campaign rounds, numerous voters said they were behind BN as Saravanan had served them well all these years.

“Saravanan is a good MP. We see him often in our constituency and he has been responsive to all our grievances.

“We hope our new assemblyman will follow in his footsteps and do his best for his constituents also,” said a voter.

Last Tuesday, 93.4 per cent of the 500 police officers and their spouses fulfilled their responsibilities at two polling stations during the early voting process for the by-election.

The Ayer Kuning by-election was called following the death of its incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, on Feb 22 due to a heart attack.

In the 15th General Election in November 2022, Ishsam, who was also the Tapah UMNO chief, won the Ayer Kuning seat with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered fight. – April 26, 2025