KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) move to parade caricatures of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Transport Minister Anthony Loke during the nomination procession for the Ayer Kuning by-election today reflects a lack of political maturity, says DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming.
He described the caricature-laden banners as juvenile and unconstructive, adding that such antics offer no value to the country’s development.
“It is an attempt to divert attention from real issues that the government should be tackling together, such as Trump’s tariff war (referring to United States President Donald Trump).
“…not resorting to childish mockery of individuals, or using religion and race as cheap political tools,” he said in a statement today.
Nga was responding to the actions of PN supporters, who were seen carrying banners bearing caricatures believed to depict the two national leaders, along with laughing emojis, as they escorted PN candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek to the Nomination Centre at Dewan Merdeka in Tapah.
The Local Government Development Minister further stressed that Malaysia is in need of constructive rather than destructive politics.
“Pakatan Harapan is committed and mindful in giving full support to Barisan Nasional in the Ayer Kuning by-election.
“This is to strengthen the spirit of cooperation within the Unity Government for the sake of national stability and the development of Perak, in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision,” he said. –
The Ayer Kuning state by-election is seeing a three-way contest, with candidates from PN, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) vying for the seat following the death of incumbent Ishsham Shahrudin on February 22..
BN is represented by Tapah Umno division secretary Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, 54, while PN has fielded Tapah PN chairman Abd Muhaimin Malek, 44. PSM is represented by its deputy secretary-general Bawani KS, 40.
Supporters began arriving as early as 7am, turning the calm Saturday morning into a vibrant political celebration.
Yusri, who arrived at 7.08am dressed in a striking blue baju Melayu with sampin, was met with cheers from BN supporters.
He was accompanied by senior party leaders, including BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Perak BN chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Also present were leaders from the unity government’s component parties, such as Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming.
Meanwhile, Abd Muhaimin Malek, who arrived with supporters dressed in PN colours, was accompanied by senior coalition figures, including PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
Bawani KS made a dramatic entrance with her supporters on a tractor as a gimmick, submitting her nomination papers at 9.15am. Abd Muhaimin was the first to submit his papers at 9.01am, followed by Yusri at 9.06am.
The Election Commission has set polling day for April 26, with early voting on April 22. – April 12, 2025