The decision to field Yusri, 54, was announced by Perak BN chief Saarani Mohamad at the BN machinery launch and candidate introduction event in Tapah, Perak, today.

In his speech, Yusri thanked the BN and Umno leadership for their trust in him to represent the unity government and to carry on the legacy of the late assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin.

“With the cooperation and commitment of everyone, we can achieve significant success for the Ayer Kuning constituency and carry forward the plans and initiatives that were set in motion by the late Ishsam,” he said.

Yusri is an ustaz who chairs a local children’s NGO and heads the Islamic education and moral studies department at the Ipoh teachers’ training institute.

The Ayer Kuning by-election is being called following Ishsam’s death on Feb 22.

Ishsam won the seat in the last general election with a 2,213-vote majority in a five-cornered contest.

The Election Commission has set April 12 for nomination and April 22 for early voting.