Dato G Kumaar Aamaan, Chief Editor of Ottrangknews and activist, has strongly warned that the Ayer Kuning by-election could become a significant turning point in Perak’s political landscape. Growing frustration among the Chinese and Indian voters is sparking what appears to be a quiet but powerful boycott movement against the ruling coalition.
Based on ground sentiment and data from the last general election, Ayer Kuning is a mixed constituency comprising 55.64% Malay voters, 21.99% Chinese, 14.3% Indian, and 8.07% from other groups. However, the government’s failure to deliver on promises — especially regarding foreign worker approvals — has deeply angered business leaders and minority communities.
“Entrepreneurs across multiple sectors are fed up,” said Dato G Kumaar Aamaan. “The PM, Nasution, and Steven Sim all made big promises about easing the foreign worker bottleneck, but none of it materialised. These delays are strangling industries like construction, plantations, and restaurants. Now they send a clear message: No foreign workers, no votes!”
He further explained that the Indian community in Ayer Kuning is especially disillusioned, not only because of the foreign worker crisis but also due to unresolved temple issues, which have stoked emotional sentiments on the ground.
The Chinese community, already burdened by rising costs and labour shortages, is increasingly vocal about the government’s neglect of their economic concerns.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s choice of Abd Muhaimin Malek as their candidate is proving to be a masterstroke. As a local leader, former PAS youth figure, and a respected headmaster of a tahfiz school, Muhaimin enjoys strong grassroots support among Malay voters.
“This is not just about politics; it is about trust,” added Dato G Kumaar. “Muhaimin is seen as one of their own. His deep local roots and commitment to the community give him an undeniable advantage. PN is capitalising on the cracks in BN’s support, and they’re doing it very effectively.”
Political observers note that if Barisan Nasional (BN) fails to defend this seat, it would send shockwaves across the national political scene, signalling a collapse of confidence in the unity government’s leadership.
“This by-election is no longer just a local contest. It has become a referendum on broken promises, economic mismanagement, and rising public anger,” concluded Dato G Kumaar Aamaan.
The Ayer Kuning by-election, set for April 26, is now shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested and closely watched battles in recent memory.