Ayer Kuning by-election: BN focuses on candidate's merits, not smear tactics

New Straits Times

22-04-2025

TAPAH: Barisan Nasional is adopting a clean and focused campaign strategy in the Ayer Kuning by-election by promoting its candidate's strengths instead of engaging in political mudslinging.
Federal Territories BN chairman Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the coalition must differentiate itself by offering a more constructive narrative to voters.
"We in Barisan Nasional need to be a little different from others. We don't want to run a campaign focused on attacking others politically. No. We want to promote our candidate," he said.
The Umno vice-president told reporters this after meeting the BN election machinery in Kampung Rahmat here today.
On April 12, BN named former lecturer Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir as its candidate in the Ayer Kuning by-election.
Johari outlined three critical components for any successful election campaign — a strong and credible party, a winnable candidate with community ties, and a united campaign machinery.
"Firstly, we in Barisan Nasional need to fix our party if we feel there are weaknesses.
"Secondly, we must have a credible candidate, someone with a good track record, who can spend time with the people. And lastly, we need a campaign team that can work as one unit.
"There should be no sabotage from within the team. If we have these three things, it becomes very hard to lose," he said.
He also expressed confidence in BN's chances, highlighting Ayer Kuning's consistent track record of voter loyalty even during challenging political climates.
"For Ayer Kuning, looking at the track record, we can see that the past representatives have served the people well.
"So, even when political tsunamis hit, the people still appreciated the contributions of their leaders. As for this current candidate (Yusri), I also see strong potential.
"He has a solid track record, good academic credentials, and experience engaging with the community.
"He worked closely with the late Ishsam (Datuk Ishsam Shahruddin, the Ayer Kuning assemblyman whose death necessitated the by-election), so I believe the people will cast their votes for him," he said.
Johari, who is plantation and commodities minister, also called for leaders in Malaysia to embrace a holistic, multiracial approach in governance, stressing the importance of inclusivity.
"Since our independence in 1957, we've had a Malay majority, but also a significant Chinese community, the Indian community, and various ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak.
"So, if we can't live harmoniously in this diverse society, if we don't treat them as part of our responsibility as leaders to care for everyone, then it becomes difficult to develop the country. And Barisan Nasional has a proven track record.
"We've developed this country for 60 years, and our concept has always been about unity in diversity.
"Along the way, of course, many leaders have made mistakes. I've made mistakes too. Sometimes there are things we overlook," he said.
Johari added that he won in the 13th General Election (GE13), lost in GE14, but won again in GE15, saying that leaders must evolve and improve.
"The public will assess whether we're sincere or just pretending.
"If we genuinely admit our mistakes and want to change how we treat the people, then the people — regardless of whether they are Malay, Chinese, Indian, or from Sabah and Sarawak — will respond positively," he said.
He pointed to Sarawak as a model of political stability in a multi-ethnic society.
"Despite having a more complex multiracial makeup, Sarawak leaders have managed their state well and grown their economy. That's something we should learn from," he said.