TAPAH, April 24 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) appears poised to retain the Ayer Kuning state seat, with the main challenge being whether federal ally Pakatan Harapan (PH) can deliver a sizeable majority, according to a new report by research outfit Ilham Centre.

However, the study observed that the Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad's stated goal of an 18,000-vote majority has heightened pressure on both BN and PH campaigners, with many of those polled believing the target may be difficult to reach.

"The Ayer Kuning by-election stands as a critical benchmark to evaluate the effectiveness of collaboration within the Unity Government, PN's true influence among young Malay voters, and the degree to which candidates' personal appeal ...