KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) will field a candidate from the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) in the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election, PN Chairman Muhyiddin Yassin announced. He confirmed that PAS, which previously contested the state seat, will once again represent PN despite its past electoral losses.
“Although we lost the last time, we will not make any changes. Let it remain the same party (to represent PN). We will give our full support,” said Muhyiddin, who also serves as the Bersatu President. PAS has contested for the Ayer Kuning seat five times since the 2008 general election but has yet to secure a victory.
The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin. In the 15th general election, Ishsam, who was the Tapah Umno chief, won the seat with a 2,213-vote majority in a five-way contest.
Muhyiddin Rejects Committee for Opposition MPs’ Allocations
Muhyiddin dismissed the need for a committee to discuss allocations for opposition MPs, as proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof. He argued that allocations are meant for the people and should not require a committee for disbursement.
“We have dignity and principles. The allocations are for the people, not for personal use. When I was the prime minister, I gave everyone an allocation… If you want to give allocations, do so. There is no need for a committee,” Muhyiddin stated.
Calls for Action on Rice Fraud Following Mardi Report
Addressing a report from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), which revealed that 40% to 50% of rice sacks tested contained a mixture of imported and local white rice, Muhyiddin urged the government to take action. He described the issue as a “serious crime” and claimed it validated his earlier allegations in Parliament.
“I challenge the government. What action should be taken? We have all been deceived. This is a serious crime… Use the data provided by Mardi and find out who is involved,” he emphasized.
Muhyiddin had previously called for a white paper on the national padi and rice industry to address concerns about the availability of local rice and allegations of mixing local and imported rice, which is then sold at a higher price as imported rice.