PARTI SOSIALIS MALAYSIA (PSM)
Press statement:
8 April 2025
PSM always puts forward its best local candidates. Today, the party has chosen Comrade Bawani KS from Ayer Kuning, who was born and educated there, for another chance in the upcoming elections. She is regarded as the most suitable and strong candidate to challenge the other two major coalitions.
This election marks a significant moment as it will be the first time, PSM, MUDA, and PRM—have come together to endorse a single candidate. This collaboration aims to build momentum for a third political force in the next election.
Bawani, who was once a young, passionate student affectionately known as ‘Listen, Listen,’ has now become a lawyer fighting for both marhaen and the underprivileged. She will again be the candidate for the PSM in the upcoming election and has received endorsements from both the State and National PSM Leadership.
Bawani currently serves as the Deputy Secretary General of the party and Chairperson of the Perak PSM and is a highly respected grassroots activist, human rights lawyer, and advocate for human rights in Malaysia. With over 20 years of experience, Bawani has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of marginalised communities in the country.
About Our Candidate
Bawani is a local who was born and raised in Ayer Kuning and has lived there her entire life since December 1985. She received her early education at Tadika Perpaduan Air Kuning, followed by primary education at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) Kampar. She then continued her secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Air Kuning and completed Form 6 at Sekolah Menengah Seri Kampar.
Bawani is a prominent and respected figure among the residents of Perak and Ayer Kuning. Her political journey includes contesting in the the Ayer Kuning election during the 15th General Election in 2022. Despite being defeated by the late Ishsam Shahruddin of Barisan Nasional (BN) in Ayer Kuning, her unwavering commitment to serving the community fuels her determination to continue advocating for change. As a candidate for PSM, Bawani aims to listen and amplify the voices of her constituents as well as being the voice of the marginalised community in the Perak State Legislative Assembly.
Bawani’s commitment to grassroots initiatives and human rights advocacy started during her undergraduate studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2005. She was an active member of the Jawatankuasa Kebajikan Mahasiswa/I (JKMI), a left-leaning grassroots student movement at UKM, where she began her degree in psychology. But her experiences prompted her to seek further knowledge in law at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Inspired by the struggles of marginalised communities she encountered while working full-time at PSM, Bawani made the brave decision to become a lawyer. This choice was solidified after witnessing the notorious arrests of six PSM leaders under the now-repealed Emergency Ordinance in 2011, which ignited her passion for justice and equality.
As a human rights lawyer, Bawani has tirelessly represented diverse communities, including the resilient farmers of Perak, the Orang Asli (indigenous people), and former estate workers. Her legal advocacy has led her to confront the challenging issue of forced evictions, tirelessly fighting for the rights of farmers displaced from their lands in Perak such as Kampar, Malim Nawar, Batu Gajah, Tapah, Chenderiang, Ayer Kuning, Bidor, Sungkai, Slim River and Tambun.
In addition, she passionately represents the orang asli from Simpang Pulai, Gopeng and Chenderiang, tirelessly working to protect their land rights and preserve their cultural heritage. Bawani’s unwavering commitment to justice and her deep connection to the communities she serves continue to inspire those around her.
Bawani has successfully resolved several significant cases in Perak, particularly within the Tapah parliamentary constituency. One of the most recent cases involved 30 vegetable and fruit farmers from Kampung Kuala Bikam in Bidor, located near Kampung Coldstream. These farmers were sued by Pengurusan Pasir Perak Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of MBincorp. On 6 March 2025, the 30 farmers from Kuala Bikam achieved their second victory against forced eviction.
Socialist Candidate for Harmony and Stability
In this vital context, as responsible and principled socialists, we feel a profound responsibility to represent Ayer Kuning and serve as a crucial voice in the Perak State Legislative Assembly. In the upcoming by-election, PSM is determined to offer a candidate who not only addresses the pressing issues faced by the community but also cultivates a spirit of harmony among residents. Given the troubling trend of polarisation based on race and religion, we want the people of Ayer Kuning to recognise that a united Malaysia is within reach. Our Socialist candidate stands resolutely in solidarity with the poor and marginalised, dedicated to serving the community unfettered by bias regarding religion or race.
Our Socialist candidate fiercely champions the rights and needs of underprivileged communities, ensuring that their voices resonate strongly in various political spaces and dialogues. Bawani is unwaveringly committed to serving all residents equally, ensuring that every voice is acknowledged and valued in our shared democratic landscape.
PSM takes immense pride in nominating Bawani as our candidate for DUN Ayer Kuning. If allowed to represent the Ayer Kuning, Bawani and PSM will diligently engage with the community to understand their diverse needs while providing clean and transparent leadership. As the authentic voice of Marhaen, we will steadfastly continue our mission to advocate for the fundamental interests and rights of the people within the Perak State Legislative Assembly.