Perak: Perak police have recorded a statement from Abd Muhaimin Malek, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Ayer Kuning state assembly by-election, regarding his religious teaching credentials. The police spokesman for the by-election, SAC Zaharudin Rasip, said the matter was referred to the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) for further action.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, no investigation file has been opened as the issue relates to religious teaching credentials, which are not a requirement of the Election Commission (EC). Zaharudin stated that the candidate remains unaffected at this stage.

The development follows a police report lodged by Perak Amanah Youth deputy chief Ahmad Munzirie Ahmad Kabir, who alleged that Abd Muhaimin deceived authorities in his application for religious teaching credentials. Ahmad Munzirie asserted that Abd Muhaimin acquired these credentials while holding a political position, which he claimed violated existing guidelines.

Abd Muhaimin previously served as deputy president of the PAS Tapah Division from 2015 to 2017 and is currently the head of the same division.

Furthermore, Zaharudin reported two additional police complaints related to the by-election campaign. In Mambang Di Awan, Kampar, a 47-year-old man lodged a complaint over a campaign banner obstructing road users’ view. The Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) representative was asked to remove the banner.

In a separate incident, a 42-year-old woman reported the unauthorized use of her husband’s photograph with the PN candidate in a campaign poster. This case has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department, and the poster has been taken down.

The Ayer Kuning by-election follows the passing of the incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, due to a heart attack on February 22. The election will feature a three-cornered contest involving Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Abd Muhaimin, and PSM candidate Bawani KS. The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled polling for April 26, with early voting on April 22.