Tapah: Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election, Abd Muhaimin Malek of PAS, has pushed back against the notion that the coalition only represents Malay interests.
Muhaimin said PN needs the support of all ethnic groups to win Ayer Kuning, where non-Malay voters make up over 40% of the electorate.
“I’m contesting to represent every voter in Ayer Kuning,” he told FMT, adding that his campaign would actively reach out to non-Malay communities.
The by-election sees PN – often viewed as reliant on Malay support – facing off against Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s KS Bawani, and Barisan Nasional’s Yusri Bakir who will have the backing of Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters.
Muhaimin claimed that support from Chinese and Indian voters had grown steadily for PN, thanks to the coalition’s grassroots efforts.
In the 2022 general election, BN won the seat with a 2,213-vote majority. The late Ishsam Shahruddin obtained 9,088 votes, while PH and PN secured 6,875 and 6,812 votes respectively.
“I’m confident that support from Chinese and Indian voters will continue to grow in this by-election,” Muhaimin said, adding that he expects strong backing from young voters.
Although Ishsam was reportedly well-liked in Ayer Kuning, Muhaimin alleged that voters had experienced “systematic neglect” under BN’s watch.
“Youth support has been very strong since the last general election. Moreover, BN has systematically neglected the voters of Ayer Kuning. Local and national issues will shift voter support toward PAS and PN,” he said.
Muhaimin also rejected the idea that the combined votes of BN and PH in the last election would hurt his chances this time around.
“Elections aren’t just about simple math,” he said.
Ayer Kuning voters will cast their ballots on April 26 after a 14-day campaign period.
