Latest news with #Bawani
The Star
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Barisan can win depending on majority, says think tank
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional is in a relatively strong position to retain the Ayer Kuning seat in the Perak state by-election, says the Ilham Centre. However, the think tank said there was still pressure on Barisan Nasional and its unity government partner Pakatan Harapan to prove the strength of their cooperation by delivering a convincing majority, targeted at 18,000 votes by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. ALSO READ: Ayer Kuning polls: Voters to vote tomorrow 'The by-election is seen as a litmus test for the unity government's cohesion, Perikatan Nasional's ability to maintain momentum among young Malay voters, and the effectiveness of individual candidates in swaying local sentiment,' it said in a report released here on Friday (April 25). The report also highlighted a noticeable shift in campaign tactics with traditional large-scale rallies giving way to a more subtle and tactical approach, with parties opting for direct voter engagement, house-to-house visits, and digital outreach. 'Perikatan has led a more aggressive digital campaign, while both Barisan and Pakatan have largely adopted a defensive stance,' it added. The centre also said that while local issues such as candidate credibility and pollution dominate, national sentiments have crept into the campaign. ALSO READ: Barisan targets 1,000 fence sitters in last push 'Perikatan has urged voters to treat the by-election as a referendum on the Federal Government and Umno's alliance with DAP, a partnership that continues to stir unease among Malay voters. 'Adding to the dynamic is Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) candidate KS Bawani, who has focused on estate worker welfare and employment, particularly targeting the Indian voter segment. "Her campaign may draw votes that would otherwise go to Barisan, potentially narrowing the majority,' the report added. The centre also said that with no clear frontrunner, the by-election remains highly competitive and may offer key insights into Malaysia's political direction ahead of the next general election. ALSO READ: PSM optimistic despite Ayer Kuning odds In GE15, Barisan's Ishsam Shahruddin polled 9,088 votes to win by a 2,213-vote majority, defeating Pakatan's Mohd Nazri Hashim, Perikatan's Muhammad Noor Farid, Pejuang's Maziah Salim, and Bawani. Ishsam passed away at age 59 in February after a heart attack. Voters will go to the polls on Saturday (April 26) to choose from Barisan's Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan's Muhaimin Malek, and Bawani.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Bawani claims sabotage to campaign, lodges police report
TAPAH: KS Bawani, the Ayer Kuning by-election candidate from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), has claimed that her campaign was being sabotaged. The party deputy secretary-general said some materials, such as flags, have been taken down by unscrupulous individuals. "Some of our flags in Kampung Coldstream and Tapah Road were removed. "It was taken out by individuals who claim the area to be of a 'certain party's' and that we shouldn't put it there," she told The Star during a walkabout in Ayer Kuning town on Thursday (April 24). "We have lodged a report to the Election Commission (EC) and the police," she said. The by-election was called following the death of its incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin in February. Bawani will face Barisan Nasional's Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir and Abd Muhaimin Malek of Perikatan Nasional for the state seat on Saturday (April 26). In the 15th General Election, Ishsam, from Umno, polled 9,088 votes and won by a 2,213-vote majority, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Mohd Nazri Hashim, Perikatan's Muhammad Noor Farid, Pejuang's Maziah Salim and Bawani. Bawani, who is also the state party chairman, said they were unhappy with the incidents. "We're a small party. Even our president, Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, personally helped to put up flags. "We bought the flags using the public donations and people think they can intimidate us," she said.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ayer Kuning polls: Perkitan candidate unveils ‘offers' instead of manifesto
BIDOR: Perikatan Nasional's candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election, Abd Muhaimin Malek, has unveiled five 'offers' instead of a manifesto for the constituency. Known as the "Tekad Muhaimin untuk Rakyat" (Muhaimin's pledge to the people), the Tapah PAS chief said these were pledges that he would implement if elected. The five offers included championing environmental issues that impact public health, empowering the economy and entrepreneurs, improving social welfare and community harmony, improving access to facilities and infrastructure and to always pay attention to the people's voices. 'God willing, if given the mandate, I will translate these pledges into real action for the well-being of all,' he said in a press conference here on Tuesday (April 22). When asked how many voters he has met so far and the responses he has been getting, Abd Muhaimin said his campaign machinery was generally positive. 'We've gone down to the ground and met over 80% of the voters. We've also heard their concerns,' he said. "I've also called on parents to encourage their children who are registered voters and originally from Ayer Kuning to return home and cast their votes," he added. Prior to this, Parti Sosialis Malaysia's KS Bawani and Barisan Nasional's Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir had both unveiled their respective manifestos over the past week. Abd Muhaimin, Bawani and Mohamad Yusri will face each other for the state seat, with polls set for April 26. The seat became vacant following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, from Umno, in February. In the 2022 General Election, Ishsam polled 9,088 votes and won by a 2,213-vote majority, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Mohd Nazri Hashim, Muhammad Noor Farid of Perikatan, Pejuang's Maziah Salim and Bawani.
