Temoh: Barisan Nasional (BN) has changed the date for announcing its candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election from April 5 to April 7, according to Perak BN chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. He stated that the announcement would be made by Barisan Nasional chairman and UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Kampung Haji Tahir Organised Housing Scheme in Temoh.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the national-level MADANI 2025 Aidilfitri celebration is expected to be held on April 5 in Melaka. Saarani mentioned that this event will draw many attendees, leading to congested highways as people return to their areas post-celebration. Consequently, the candidate announcement has been rescheduled for April 7, aligning it with the Tapah Parliamentary Constituency Aidilfitri Celebration.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the polling day for the Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26, with the nomination of candidates and early voting on April 12 and 22 respectively. The by-election was necessitated by the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin on Feb 22 due to a heart attack after participating in a football tournament at City Stadium, George Town, Penang.

Saarani also expressed confidence in the continued support of the Orang Asli community, highlighting that the state seat has 2,156 Orang Asli voters, with some residing at the 3rd Battalion General Operations Force (PGA) Camp in Bidor. He emphasized BN’s commitment to assisting the community.

In addition, Saarani stated that BN is prepared to face any candidate, including those from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), in a multi-cornered contest. PSM deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan had previously announced that the party would field a candidate, following their participation in the 15th general election, where their candidate, Bawani KS, secured 586 votes.