KUALA LUMPUR – Winning the division chief position in the looming PKR election is not a chance to brag but is instead a huge responsibility to the people, especially the local community, said electoral hopeful Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan.
The celebrity actor-director, who is contesting as Setiawangsa division chief, said he decided to throw his hat in the ring based on his involvement in a number of missions and humanitarian work, which had allowed him to experience the difficulties and sufferings of the people over the years.
“It is known that I have been active in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Yayasan Afdlin Shauki,” he said in an interview with Getaran, The Vibes’ sister portal.
“This foundation does not only organise humanitarian missions abroad such as to Syria, but also actively helps the locals, especially in the Setiawangsa area.”
The entertainment icon will be up against PKR chief organising secretary and incumbent division chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in the May 13 to May 18 party polls.
Nik Nazmi had told The Vibes that he is confident of retaining the division post but welcomed Afdlin’s decision to contest as it brings “a lot of colour” to the polls.
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Afdlin said that grassroots members had told him that they were not satisfied with the services rendered by the incumbent division head.
“Many feel that way. These stories are not made up or to put him in a bad light, not at all. Those are feedback given by members at the branch level and also local residents,” he said.
“They feel ignored, sidelined after the previous division chief won the election. As soon as he won, he no longer listened to the members and their problems have been ignored.”
Afdlin brushed aside talk that he is attempting to revive his flagging popularity, saying that he had long left behind the world of glitz and glamour.
“At my age, I’m no longer looking for glamour. Days where I was praised and admired by fans are behind me now. A life of adulation no longer crosses my mind,” the 50-year-old said.
“I am still active in the arts industry, but more to produce quality work, which aims to educate. The decision to offer myself to contest is simply because I am a PKR member who is ready to serve anywhere and anytime.”
Afdlin said he has received full support from Setiawangsa residents and party division members to contest the post, and also from “otai” or veteran party members who have been with the party from its nascent Reformasi days.
“If they want something new with someone who has an NGO background to aggressively move a mission, God willing, I am confident I can do it,” he said. – The Vibes, May 5, 2022
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