Zahid said he was confident the Tapah Umno Youth machinery would be fully mobilised to support Yusri throughout the campaign.

“There is no boycott from Tapah Umno Youth. Fahmi has been present at every meeting, whether at the state or divisional level,” he told a press conference after the nomination process at Dewan Merdeka here today.

The Umno president was responding to speculation of internal friction following Fahmi’s omission as BN’s candidate for the April 26 state by-election.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh yesterday said the youth wing remained committed to helping Yusri, despite some members feeling disappointed about not being chosen for the by-election.

Akmal also said that Umno Youth would never boycott the by-election.

Separately, Zahid expressed hope that the multiracial composition of voters in Ayer Kuning will work in Yusri’s favour in retaining the seat for BN.

“We’re not promising development, but voters can be assured that with Yusri’s selection, development will continue, especially since Ayer Kuning is located in a rural area.

“The rural and regional development ministry will look into continuous infrastructure development, and we hope voters will lend their support as Yusri has pledged to carry on the legacy of the former assemblyman, Ishsam Shahruddin,” he added.

Umno Youth had previously put forward its own candidate for the by-election, but the party leadership chose Yusri, who is also Tapah Umno secretary.

Asked about the campaign strategy, Zahid said there would be no large-scale ceramah.

Instead, he added, the party will focus on direct engagement with voters in the constituency.

Zahid said BN’s election machinery was also prepared to counter any issues raised by the opposition during the campaign period.

The April 26 by-election for the Ayer Kuning state seat will see a three-way contest, involving Yusri, Perikatan Nasional’s Abd Muhaimin Malek and PSM’s KS Bawani.