KUALA LUMPUR – Actor, comedian and director Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan aims to enter the political fray, saying it will be a licence for him to carry the people’s voice, as expected of an elected representative.
Afdlin, who neither stated which party he intends to pursue his next step with nor a timeline, said his intentions are sincere, and that his goal is to serve the people, and not securing money, power or rank.
“As I get older, I realise that life is not just about pursuing glamour or ‘name’.
“There is something bigger and more meaningful that needs to be done to produce happiness from the deepest part of the heart,” he said in an exclusive chat with The Vibes’ newly launched sister portal, Getaran.
The father of three said he wants to make politics a space for him to serve the community.
“Politics is not a field in which to seek influence in the eyes of the public, but a test to carry out the trust given by the people.”
Having organised aid missions to Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, India and Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Afdlin said he feels humanitarian work is more fulfilling.
He said his life is no longer based as much on popularity as it used to, and that he is now driven by the desire to improve the local community’s living standards.
“I learnt many things from all the humanitarian missions I have participated in.
“Not only did they open my eyes, but they also educated me on being grateful for all the comforts of life that I have enjoyed all this while, thus instilling in me the awareness of all the blessings bestowed by Allah.”
Intending to go against the norm, Afdlin said he is keen to remain the personality he is now, while ensuring that he does get absorbed in political turmoil.
He assured that he is not the sort of person to demean, insult or humiliate others.
“That’s not me, and if due to this principle, I no longer remain a choice (of the people) someday, I would agree and accept it with an open heart.”
Politicians should be the people’s voice, fight for their rights and improve their economic standing, he said.
“For me, politics is not to fill one’s own pockets, but a space and opportunity to dedicate one’s life for as long as they live.”
Afdlin is no stranger to politics, with both his late grandmother and late father-in-law involved in the scene during their time.
“My grandmother was a Wanita Umno leader during the time of (first prime minister) Tunku Abdul Rahman (Putra Al-Haj), while my father-in-law, Datuk Monggoh Orow, was Tuaran MP.
“I myself joined Umno in 2012 along with (actor) Harun (Salim Bachik), before resigning due to a change in the government’s direction some time ago, causing people to lose faith in the grassroots.”
He expressed willingness to back out if he feels that his involvement in politics has failed to produce the satisfaction he seeks.
“I started from scratch, so in the end, I do not care if it is necessary to return to scratch.”
He added that if his participation in the entertainment industry has enabled him to entertain millions, the political arena is the right place to channel efforts to develop the people.
“I do not believe that a politician should be deified or promoted. This stature as the people’s representative should enable one to go to the ground, speak to the people, and investigate every inch of their problems.
“This is also a space for me to help my friends in the entertainment industry, who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.” – The Vibes, January 30, 2021
