AYER KUNING BY-ELECTION: SENTIMENT OVER MALAY LEADERS IN DAP DOES NOT AFFECT SUPPORT – SYAHREDZAN

TAPAH, April 18 (Bernama) -- The sentiment surrounding Malay leaders in DAP does not pose an obstacle in winning voters' hearts in the Ayer Kuning state by-election, says DAP national vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan.

He said the negative perception often associated with Malay leaders in the party stemmed from a lack of exposure and direct interaction with the local community, especially in rural areas.

“This is a question I’m often asked… I believe much of the perception arises from situations where people do not personally know the Malay leaders in DAP. As the saying goes, you can't love what you don’t know.

“At the same time, Perak has DAP state vice-chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari, so I think DAP is not unfamiliar to the people of Perak,” he said when met by reporters at Capati Perak stall here today.

Also present was DAP assistant national publicity secretary Young Syefura Othman.

Syahredzan said DAP remained committed to supporting Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, with the campaign’s focus on ensuring continuity of service left by the previous incumbent to safeguard development and welfare in Ayer Kuning.

He said DAP had been assigned to assist at 15 polling districts, with the main priority being efforts to increase voter turnout.

The Ayer Kuning by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Mohamad Yusri, Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek and Bawani KS of Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the polling day on April 26, with early voting on April 22.

-- BERNAMA