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THE Perak police have recorded a statement from Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek regarding alleged irregularities in his religious teaching qualifications. The matter has since been referred to the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) for further review.
Spokesman for the by-election, Senior Assistant Commissioner Zaharudin Rasip, confirmed that no criminal investigation has been opened as the issue concerns religious credentials rather than any election law violation.
"We have not opened an investigation file because this matter pertains to (religious) teaching credentials. At this stage, the candidate is not impacted, as this is not a requirement of the Election Commission (EC)," Bernama cited Zaharudin saying during the daily media briefing on the by-election.
The issue arose following a police report lodged by Perak Amanah Youth deputy chief, Ahmad Munzirie Ahmad Kabir, who alleged that Abd Muhaimin had obtained his credentials improperly while holding a political post.
Ahmad Munzirie contended that this contravenes existing guidelines related to the issuance of such credentials.
It is understood that Abd Muhaimin served as deputy president of the PAS Tapah Division between 2015 and 2017, and currently leads the division.
Meanwhile, Zaharudin disclosed that two further police reports were filed in relation to the ongoing by-election campaign. These concerned campaign materials and alleged unauthorised use of personal images.
In one incident, a 47-year-old man from Mambang Di Awan, Kampar, lodged a complaint after a political banner was found to be obstructing motorists' view. Authorities subsequently instructed a representative from the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) to remove the banner.
In another matter, a 42-year-old woman claimed that her husband's image was used without consent in a campaign poster featuring the PN candidate. Zaharudin confirmed, "This case has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department, and the poster has also been removed."
The Ayer Kuning by-election was triggered by the passing of the incumbent assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin, who died of a heart attack on 22 February.
The contest will see a three-way race involving Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, PN’s Abd Muhaimin Malek, and PSM candidate Bawani KS.
The Election Commission has fixed polling day for April 26, with early voting scheduled for 22 April. – April 15, 2025