Perikatan Nasional to Announce Kuala Kubu Bharu By-Election Candidate on April 25

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the coalition will disclose its candidate for the upcoming Kuala Kubu Bharu state by-election on April 25, 2024, following discussions in the PN Supreme Council meeting scheduled for April 22.

The decision will prioritize local candidates with strong academic qualifications and involvement in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Muhyiddin emphasized that PN will select the most suitable candidate based on their "winnability" and connection to the Hulu Selangor area. "We will evaluate candidates based on their academic qualifications, involvement in non-governmental organizations, and their local connections to the Hulu Selangor area," he stated. The party will conduct several screenings, including with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, police, and Inland Revenue Board, before determining their choice.

The Kuala Kubu Bharu state seat fell vacant after the passing of the late DAP assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong on March 21. Nomination day for the by-election is set for April 27, with voting to take place on May 11.

Muhyiddin expressed confidence that PN will win the by-election, despite the seat traditionally being held by DAP. He believes the result will serve as a referendum, which PN will use as a platform to communicate with the public about the government's shortcomings, such as cost of living pressures, soaring prices, and other economic issues.

PN is also hoping to gain support from traditional MCA and MIC voters in the by-election, following the decision of the two Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition partners to boycott the polls.

PN secretary Dr Afif Bahardin said this is beneficial for the coalition, as it shows the lack of unity in the unity government. He hopes that PN can garner more votes from the Chinese and Indian communities to add to the support it already enjoys from the Malay community.

Why this matters: The Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election serves as a vital test for Perikatan Nasional's electoral strength and its ability to make inroads in a traditionally opposition-held seat. The outcome of this by-election could have implications for the future political landscape in Selangor and Malaysia as a whole.

Muhyiddin reiterated that PN is an inclusive coalition that recognizes the presence of non-Malays and is not solely focused on Malay or Islamic issues. The PN leadership will consider the demographics of Kuala Kubu Baru, which has a voter composition of 48% Malay and 52% non-Malay (18% Indian, 34% Chinese and others), in <a href="https://newswav.com/article/perikatan-to-announce-candidate-for-kuala-kubu-baharu-poll-next-thursday-sa-A2404_sR9hQ

Key Takeaways

• PN to announce Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election candidate on April 25
• PN prioritizes local candidates with strong qualifications and NGO involvement
• PN confident of winning despite seat traditionally held by DAP
• PN aims to gain support from MCA and MIC voters after BN boycott
• Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election is a vital test for PN's electoral strength