Perak: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has clarified the distinction between special officers to the Menteri Besar and elected assemblymen in light of the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election. Saarani explained that while special officers are tasked with duties assigned by the Menteri Besar, only elected representatives have the authority to directly address the needs of their constituencies with the Menteri Besar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani stated, “For special officers, their role is to assess the needs of opposition-held areas, but they do not have the power to approve any requests.” He made these remarks after attending a Hari Raya event for uniformed personnel at the Perak Darul Ridzuan building.

His comments were prompted by a Facebook post from Perak PAS Ulama Committee member Muhammad Rif’aat Razman. Razman suggested that voters in Ayer Kuning would not be disadvantaged by electing a Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate, as the Menteri Besar could still appoint special officers to the constituency.

Saarani had previously explained that these special officers were appointed, among others, to fill the gap left by the absence of a government representative at district action meetings. The Election Commission has set April 26 for the Ayer Kuning by-election, with nominations on April 12 and early voting on April 22.