TAPAH: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his congratulations to the coalition’s machinery and supporters following their victory in the Ayer Kuning by-election.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said Zahid, who contacted him soon after the result was announced, also thanked all BN and unity government machinery who had worked tirelessly throughout the campaign.
“Datuk Seri Zahid congratulated all of us and expressed his gratitude to all the machinery that worked hard, as well as to the voters of Ayer Kuning who gave their support to BN.
“Although we have not yet received the official results from the Election Commission (EC), we can already see and know that the voter turnout was only 58 per cent, meaning that only about 18,500 people came out to vote.
“Therefore, to pass the halfway mark (to win), one needs 9,251 votes, and Barisan Nasional has already secured 10,776 votes.
“This means victory is on our side. We are now just waiting for the official announcement from the EC regarding the actual figures and the final majority obtained,” he said during his speech at the BN command centre here.
Earlier, it was reported that BN had retained the Ayer Kuning state seat in Perak, according to unofficial results.
Mohamad Yusri Bakir, the Tapah Umno division secretary, garnered 11,083 votes, surpassing Perikatan Nasional’s Abdul Muhaimin Malek, who received 6,067 votes, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s K.S. Bawani, who obtained 1,105 votes.
Saarani also expressed his appreciation to all levels of the campaign machinery, whether from Barisan Nasional, Friends of BN, or partners from Pakatan Harapan, who worked tirelessly to find voters, canvass for votes, and appeal to them.
“We used all kinds of methods. I myself travelled repeatedly to various places. Your commitment reflects the very close cooperation among the parties in this unity government.
“What is important is for everyone to understand that election management reflects something bigger.
“It reflects a united and harmonious society. So, let no one bring slander, poison the minds of the people, or incite division. This has been clearly and absolutely rejected by the residents and voters of Ayer Kuning,” he said.
He also thanked all the speakers and canvassers who approached voters without resorting to insults or slander, but instead appealed to them with love and sincerity to support the candidate.
“Because we are the unity government that seeks to do good for the people of Perak and for all Malaysians. Alhamdulillah, the residents and voters have understood and accepted our arguments. They accepted our appeals.
“Therefore, I remind my colleagues: let us continue this spirit of love. Let us continue this unity so that all the people of Perak and Malaysia who cherish unity, who love peace, and who want Malaysia to be governed by a stable and strong government, can feel assured.
“Thus, we pledge to continue this approach in our campaigns without hurting anyone’s feelings,” he said.
He added that tonight, it has been proven that the respectful and sincere campaigning style of the unity government is very effective and has been accepted by the voters of Ayer Kuning.
“I am very pleased to see that the young voters also continued their support for our candidate, as did voters in the Malay-majority polling districts.
“It appears there is increasing trust among Malay voters towards our candidate. Even voters in Chinese-majority areas seem to have given their support to us.
“I believe that if we can continue this momentum, the unity government will grow even stronger, not just in Perak but throughout Malaysia,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
