Ayer Kuning polls: ‘Victory reflects voters' wisdom'
TAPAH: Barisan Nasional's victory in Ayer Kuning is a clear reflection of the people's wisdom in their judgment, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In congratulating newly-elected assemblyman Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, the Barisan chairman said the people had rejected politics of hatred and instead, chosen stability, progress and credible leadership.
'This is a strong signal that the unity government is being accepted for its capability to govern both the state and the country effectively, guided by the principles of unity, development and the well-being of the people,' he wrote on Facebook.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said he would personally mentor Mohamad Yusri to become a good representative for the voters.
Saarani said voters from all communities – the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Pakistani and Punjabi – had given their support to the Barisan candidate.
'This shows that Ayer Kuning voters love peace, reject provocation and refuse slander.
'Those who came from outside just spoke recklessly, causing chaos among Ayer Kuning voters,' he said.
Saarani said the increased majority reflected growing support for the coalition.
'We saw Perikatan votes dropped from 6,812 to just 6,059 – a significant decrease, and I am very pleased, especially seeing an increase in support from young voters,' he added.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the result demonstrates voters' preference for an inclusive and progressive governance.
'After a fierce three-cornered fight, Barisan's Dr Yusri Bakir successfully won the Ayer Kuning state seat with a majority of 5,006 votes!
'This clearly demonstrates that local voters favour Barisan's inclusive and progressive style of governance.
'Congratulations to Dr Yusri Bakir! May he continue to uphold the spirit of service and lead Ayer Kuning toward a more prosperous and united future!' Dr Wee wrote on social media.
He also thanked the MCA team for their contributions to the campaign effort.
'A special thank you to MCA deputy president and Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon for leading the MCA machinery in their tireless efforts over the past two weeks to ensure more Chinese voters came out to vote and secure Barisan's final victory,' he said.
Mohamad Yusri has pledged to fulfil all commitments made in his campaign manifesto.
'I am grateful to God for the opportunity to shoulder the responsibility as the state assemblyman for Ayer Kuning.
'So everything we pledged and committed to in our manifesto, we will strive to deliver for the benefit of the people,' he said.
Dr Mah said the government's prompt response to resolve local issues faced by locals played a key role in securing support.
He cited the successful intervention to combat a bagworm infestation threatening oil palm estates in Kampung Coldstream as one example.
'We managed to get Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani to help in eradicating the pests,' he said.
Dr Mah also noted a positive shift in support for Barisan, particularly among Chinese voters, despite the overall low turnout in the community.
'Our analysis found that about 46% or about 3,000 people came out to vote. More than 90% of them voted for our candidate,' he said, adding that cooperation from the unity government's component parties had also helped.
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