THE Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26, 2025, signaled a shifting Malay political landscape, with BN Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir securing a landslide victory, winning 11,065 votes and a 5,006-vote majority, nearly doubling the previous 2,213-vote margin.
It is a lesson for PN which saw its candidate getting beaten by a large margin as the famous “green wave” bites the dust in the UMNO-BN stronghold.
While BN’s triumph over PN (6,059 votes) and PSM (1,106 votes) suggests a decline in PN’s “green wave,” it also signals growing voter maturity.
Many now believe the results favour stability over divisive 3R rhetorics. It is also an acceptance of BN-DAP unity under PM Anwar Ibrahim that has bolstered BN’s appeal, hinting at UMNO’s gradual resurgence among Malay voters.
Bersatu Vice President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu meanwhile claimed the movement in favour of a BN-PH’s alliance is declining and he cites the Ayer Kuning results as evidence, adding that it showed waning public trust in the ruling coalition.
He said PN’s support remained strong as the coalition increased its voter share compared to the last election. —Apr 27, 2025
Main image: Bernama
