SHAH ALAM - The Ayer Kuning state assembly seat, a long-standing stronghold of Barisan Nasional (BN), will see a by-election this April, with polling day set for April 26.
The by-election was triggered by a vacancy following the passing of BN’s representative, Ishsam Shahruddin who won the seat during the 2022 General Election.
Ayer Kuning has a long history of BN representation, dating back to its creation in 1986.
Prominent BN figures such as Azman Malahan (1986-1999) and Samsudin Abu Hassan (1999-2018) previously held the seat.
Ishsam’s 2022 victory continued this trend.
Three candidates will contest the seat. BN’s Mohamad Yusri Bakir aims to maintain the coalition's hold.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) has nominated Abdul Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is represented by Bawani Kaniapan, who previously contested and lost the seat by 8,000 votes, but remains determined to offer a socialist alternative.
The constituency's demographics are expected to influence the election.
As of 2022, Ayer Kuning’s electorate comprises 55.64 per cent Malays, 21.99 per cent Chinese, 14.3 per cent Indians, and 8.07 per cent from other ethnic groups.
Ayer Kuning has 31,897 registered voters, including 31,315 ordinary voters and 582 police officers and their spouses.
The Election Commission (EC) has set April 12 as nomination day, with early voting on April 22.
This by-election tests BN’s continued dominance and provides an opportunity for opposition parties to challenge the status quo.
Ayer Kuning's history as a BN stronghold, its diverse electorate, and the unique political circumstances of this by-election make it a closely watched contest.
As polling day nears, attention will focus on how candidates address local and national issues to gain voter support.