A party source told FMT that Fahmi, who is also the Tapah Umno Youth chief, had already obtained the “blessing” of the central and state BN leaderships to contest in the upcoming election.

“Fahmi’s experience and position in the Perak Umno Youth hierarchy makes him a potential candidate for the by-election representing the unity coalition.

“His close relationship with the local community in Tapah and the surrounding areas could give him an edge in understanding the issues faced by the Ayer Kuning electorate,” said the source.

The source said Fahmi was actively involved in various Umno Youth programmes at the state level, adding that this showcased his ability to lead and inspire the younger generation.

“(His candidacy) would be in line with the party’s efforts to attract young voters in the next general election.”

A Tapah native, the 42-year-old previously served as a special officer to former Perak executive councillor and Ayer Kuning assemblyman Samsudin Abu Hassan.

Samsudin did not defend the seat in the 2022 election, as BN fielded Ishsam Shahruddin who won the five-cornered contest with a 2,213-vote majority.

Ishsam, 59, died last Saturday after suffering a heart attack following a friendly football match in Penang.

Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said the wing was lobbying to contest in the upcoming by-election and had already identified a suitable candidate.