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BARISAN Nasional (BN) is expected to unveil its manifesto for the Ayer Kuning by-election as early as Monday, April 21, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking in Tapah after attending the “Jelajah AIM TVET-Cikgu Saarani” event at the Tapah Sports Complex, Saarani said the manifesto is being finalised in collaboration with BN’s candidate, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, and will incorporate both state-level strategies and the candidate’s own aspirations for the constituency.
“Like I mentioned, the state-level manifesto is done by the state, but of course, as a candidate who God willing, will be elected as a representative, he has his own inspirations and ideas about what he wants to portray for Ayer Kuning,” The Star reported him saying.
“So, he will present how Ayer Kuning should be shaped, including matters relating to people and the local area.”
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) candidate Bawani KS was the first to release her campaign manifesto on April 15, focusing on inclusive development, infrastructure upgrades and more efficient local governance. Perikatan Nasional’s candidate, Abd Muhaimin Malek, has yet to launch his manifesto but has indicated plans to highlight rural agricultural concerns, particularly the issue of crop damage caused by wild animals.
When asked whether public complaints voiced over the past week would be reflected in BN’s manifesto, Saarani said it was common during by-elections for voters to raise various concerns. He noted that priority would be given to issues affecting larger segments of the community.
“For example, if there is a water pressure issue and it affects 1,000 homes, that is a high priority. But if it’s just one house at the end of a road complaining of low water pressure, then that’s low priority,” he explained.
Saarani also addressed the issue of racial and religious sentiments surfacing during the campaign, stressing that BN’s election workers have been instructed to steer clear of provocation or divisive rhetoric.
“Most campaigners are from Perlis, Kedah, or Johor, and after the election, they will return to their respective states. The ones who will remain are the voters. That is why I have instructed that there should not be provocation. They should refrain from starting any arguments,” he said.
“Every village has both BN and PN supporters. They use the same mosque. Let’s not allow the election to cause disunity. I want to govern this state with love, peace, and harmony.”
Saarani also reminded all parties to respect religious diversity and refrain from making inflammatory remarks.
“While Islam is the official religion, the constitution allows the practice of other religions. So don’t provoke or belittle other faiths – this is not allowed by the constitution or by any religion.”
Encouraging voter turnout, he urged supporters not to become complacent.
“I am quite confident we will win, God willing. But we must not take things for granted. Victory depends on the number of ballots cast.”
Efforts to reach out to outstation voters include personal calls and leveraging social media and other communication platforms, he added.
On the opposition’s focus on the issue of pig farms — both illegal and legal — in Malay-majority areas of Ayer Kuning, Saarani said the matter is under the jurisdiction of State Executive Council member A. Sivanesan, who handles health, integration, and Indian community affairs.
“He has made several improvements since taking on the role, so I believe we should wait for his winding-up speech in the ongoing state assembly sitting,” he said. – April 19, 2025