AYER KUNING POLLS | PSM is elated that Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has helped promote its Ayer Kuning by-election banner, which touts that a vote for BN equals a vote for Akmal and racist politics.
Party deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said that Akmal’s response to the banner had helped it reach a bigger audience.
As for the Umno Youth chief questioning why it was necessary to campaign with his image, Arutchelvan (above) said that PSM need not explain.
“We are sure MCA’s Tan Teik Cheng, DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong, (Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister) Tiong King Sing, and even (outgoing) PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim can concur with us on Akmal.
“These are all members of the Madani government,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The names listed by Arutchelvan are those who have butted heads with Akmal for allegedly stirring up racial and religious sentiments over various issues.
Akmal, in response to the PSM banner, said yesterday that voters need not fear him as long as they don’t touch on 3R (race, religion, royalty) issues.
Arutchelvan, in turn, said that there are likely more police reports lodged against Akmal on 3R issues compared to any PSM leader.
“The banner is basically factual as it raises serious contradictions when Umno-BN tries to portray itself as the party of unity. BN also works hard to portray PAS as an extremist party.
“The lesser evil arguments have been Pakatan Harapan and BN’s mantra to oppose PAS and Perikatan Nasional for a long time.
“PSM’s messaging actually puts Umno on par with PAS, and what we are saying is that BN is lying when it says it is promoting unity,” he added.
PSM struggles against titans
The Ayer Kuning by-election was called after the death of its incumbent assemblyperson, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who died of a heart attack on Feb 22.
The race is a three-cornered fight between Tapah PN chief Abd Muhaimin Malek, Tapah Umno secretary Yusri Bakir, and PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani KS.
According to analysts, Ayer Kuning’s electorate is made up of 56 percent Malays, 22 percent Chinese, 14 percent Indians, and eight percent Orang Asli.
A straw poll by Malaysiakini found that voters there are keen to preserve their harmonious way of living and strong sense of community.
However, voters have also indicated that PSM is struggling to get support. - Mkini
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