BN poised for comfortable win in Ayer Kuning by-election, says Nizar Najib

SHAH ALAM – Barisan Nasional (BN) is expected to take the lead in the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election, with predictions pointing to a comfortable majority.

Pahang Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the coalition’s strategy would mirror the successful approaches previously used in the Mahkota and Nenggiri by-elections.

"I think the Perpaduan machinery will put their game plan into place and they have strong collaboration between their party workers.

"I foresee BN taking the lead on this one. We shouldn't counter too many issues, in my mind.

"Of course, you can't estimate the other side, but we should be able to garner a decent victory in the by-election," he said when met during Sinar Daily's "Politics Meets Progress: Interview with Datuk Nizar Najib" podcast.

Nizar, who is also Peramu Jaya assemblyman, added that BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir has strong local support and a solid reputation among the community.

He further stated that the by-election’s outcome was largely academic, as it will not alter the state government’s composition.

"Nevertheless, I believe the momentum is on the side of BN as part of the unity government, and he should point towards a victory with a decent majority," he added.

The Ayer Kuning by-election is set to feature a three-cornered contest between Yusri, Perikatan Nasional’s Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s Bawani KS.

The by-election was called following the death of the incumbent assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, who died from a heart attack on Feb 22.

The Election Commission has fixed April 26 as polling day.