Afdlin inspired me to join PKR, help reform nation: Altimet

KUALA LUMPUR – Celebrated rapper-turned-producer Altimet revealed that he was motivated to join PKR by veteran actor-director Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan who, like him, aspires to bring positive change to the country.

Stressing that politics has a huge bearing on the country’s economic growth, including on artistes like Afdlin and himself, he said there was a need to transform the political landscape for the better of the nation.

Altimet, whose real name is Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, said his entry into politics with PKR is in line with this vision.

Both Altimet and Afdlin, who is also Petra Media chief executive, were formally welcomed to the party by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on stage during the Meet Anwar session at the Flamingo Hotel in Ampang here last night.

Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is the state PKR chief.

Altimet described his new membership with the party as the realisation of his efforts over the past year in preparing himself to serve on the country's political stage.

“Entertainment is more of a desire than a necessity. Therefore, when the economy is in a poor state, people have to prioritise their needs,” he told The Vibes’ sister publication Getaran yesterday.

The 42-year-old rapper also said that while Afdlin inspired him to join politics, he also admired parliamentary opposition leader Anwar for his ability to achieve milestones.

“I hope to bring reform or transformation to the country's political arena because it can contribute to the condition and mood of the country.

“I hope it will have a positive impact, and I am among those who will strive to realise this goal. I want to make a difference for the future of my children,” he said.

On a related matter, Altimet said that the implementation of the lowering of the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 (Undi18), which has been passed by Parliament, needs to be expedited. 

However, he said, there is still a silver lining if this continues to be delayed or postponed.

The Perikatan Nasional government has deferred the implementation to September 2022, although it was originally scheduled to be implemented in July this year.

He said the people always get what they want, and Undi18 shall be realised sooner or later. – The Vibes, April 2, 2021