Asset declaration done, no need for public disclosure - BN candidate

TAPAH – Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Ayer Kuning state seat, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, has affirmed that he declared his assets before opting for early retirement.

The Umno Tapah Secretary also said that it was mandatory to do so according to procedures set by the Public Service Department (JPA).

The campaign by BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir was also supported by Jalong State assemblyman Loh Sze Yee (left) and Jelapang assemblyman Cheah Pou Hian (right).

“I had to declare my assets because it is a compulsory procedure when submitting all related documents, in addition to being free from disciplinary action and having passed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) screening.

“That is the procedure set by JPA before we can apply for early retirement,” he told reporters during a door-to-door campaign session in Tapah Road on Monday.

According to Yusri, there was no need for him to follow the move made by the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) candidate, Bawani KS, who publicly disclosed her asset value.

“I have already declared it to the relevant authorities, so there is no need for me to do the same,” he said.

On Sunday, the media reported that Bawani had declared her net assets to be approximately RM21,248, which includes her assets, income, expenditure and debts.

Yusri meeting voters during a door-to-door campaign session in Tapah Road on Monday.

In a separate development, Yusri stated he was making the most of the remaining four days of campaigning to elaborate on his three pledges and seven promises as outlined in his manifesto themed 'Ayer Kuning Sejahtera Bersama'.

The 54-year-old retired teacher expressed optimism about the support received so far and hopes it will translate into votes at the ballot box this coming Saturday.

“We are now in fifth gear, so things are moving faster, especially as we enter the second week.

“Our campaign has already covered more than 70 per cent of the constituency, and with four days remaining, I need to solidify my strategy to win the voters’ hearts,” he said.

The Ayer Kuning by-election, which began on April 12, sees Yusri going up against Abd Muhaimin Malek (Perikatan Nasional) and Bawani KS.