Stuck Between Blue And Bluer Ustaz Psm Rolls Out Red In Legal Robes

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With political pundits expressing scepticism over PSM’s chances in the Ayer Kuning by-election, the party’s deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan injected some wit into the conversation, quipping that PSM is adding a touch of red to the blue backdrop.
ADSOn a more serious note, he pointed out that while both BN and Perikatan Nasional are fielding ustaz (religious teachers), the socialist party is standing its ground with a different kind of candidate - lawyer and PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani KS.
“Both parties have put forward ustaz to woo the voters. You can imagine their attire, campaign and the substance of their arguments…
“Even both the contesting flags of BN and PN are identical. Both are just different shades of the colour blue. With PSM contesting, you will see at least a striking red,” he added in a statement today
Arutchelvan reaffirmed PSM’s enduring commitment to championing the rights of the working class, farmers, and the Orang Asli.
He noted that, alongside its ally Muda, PSM also aims to mobilise and re-energise younger voters - urging them to return to the ballot box come April 26.
Ayer Kuning aspirant Bawani KS“Besides this, many NGOs in Perak and elsewhere work with PSM whom they see as their best political ally to raise the issues of environment, healthcare and better institutional policies.
“We welcome these groups to come to Ayer Kuning and raise these issues because in the next 14 days, all the ministers and their operators will be in Ayer Kuning. PSM will be the vehicle to raise these concerns,” Artuchelvan pointed out.
‘Rich in ideas’
In contrast to their political opponents, whom he criticised for handing out goodies and hosting extravagant “mega open houses,” Arutchelvan said PSM would use the campaign period to centre the conversation on real issues impacting the people.
“We may not have money to throw but we definitely have ideas to share,” he emphasised.
To critics who point to the party’s electoral record, Arutchelvan stressed that PSM has nonetheless played a crucial role in policy reforms - including the introduction of the Minimum Wage Act and workers’ insurance scheme.
He added that the party is now pushing for a pension scheme for senior citizens.
ADS“Between the two ustaz, PSM is putting forward a woman activist and a lawyer known for fighting for rights. Imagine if you have someone like Bawani in the state assembly,” he added.
The by-election for the Ayer Kuning seat, which is within the Tapah parliamentary constituency, was triggered by the passing of the incumbent lawmaker, Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, on Feb 22.
Isham was also the Tapah Umno division chief.
BN has named Yusri Bakir, the 54-year-old Tapah Umno secretary, as its candidate while Perikatan Nasional chose Tapah PAS chief Abd Muhaimin Malek to contest the seat. - Mkini

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