KUALA LUMPUR – Rapper-turned-producer Altimet says his contest to become Ampang PKR chief is his way of giving back to the community that has made a huge impact on his personal and professional life.
The musician, whose real name is Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman, is a self-styled underdog in the election, being the “greenest” candidate with the “least amount of preparation and resources” in facing off against veteran actor Datuk Hans Isaac and other seasoned members.
During an interview with The Vibes, Altimet said he was encouraged by several members of the party leadership to throw his hat in the ring, and admits he decided to be a candidate “after giving it some thought” at the eleventh hour before nominations closed on April 10.
Despite the lack of heavy campaigning and participation in party activities, the 43-year-old Altimet believes he has laid down enough groundwork after carrying out a “good amount” of charity, and non-governmental organisation work, especially in the past year.
“One of the interpretations (from the leadership) is that this guy is a self-starter,” he said days ahead of the party polls between May 13 and May 20.
It’s pretty much like my music career. I have a lot of fanfare and that could be a disadvantage. I don’t publicise what I do so much, but I keep doing the work.”
In early April, PKR insiders revealed that Altimet and Hans had signed up for the contest in Ampang. The two will be challenging another five candidates, who are long-time party members.
Ampang is considered a hot seat as the winner will likely be challenging former division chief Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin – who was fired from the party and joined Bersatu following the Sheraton Move in February 2020 – in the next general election.
Along with veteran actor Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan, Altimet officially joined PKR in April last year, while Hans entered the party the year before.
Replicating success
With five studio albums churned out over the last 20 years, a laundry list of singles, and collaborative tracks, a quick search on YouTube will reveal the millions of streams his music videos and songs have garnered over the years, standing as a testament to his success in entertainment.
Kick-starting his musical career in the group Teh Tarik Crew in 1999, Altimet made his solo album debut with First Among Equals in 2007.
In 2014, he returned with his sophomore album Kotarayaku, followed by Air and O in 2018, months before he announced his retirement as a performing musician.
Through the contest in Ampang, Altimet is attempting to replicate the success in music. He also said Ampang was a source of “rezeki” (blessing) for him, as he was able to buy a foreclosure house to raise his three children.
Asked about his vision for Ampang PKR and the constituency, Altimet said he wanted to give back to the community by focusing on education, the family unit, and also the ageing population who contributed to the area’s growth.
If elected as a parliamentarian, Altimet wants to address the issues of traffic congestion and the need for improved public transportation in the constituency and the Greater Kuala Lumpur area.
As for socio-economic concerns, he said he would like to emphasise giving “hand ups” instead of handouts to the underserved B40 group to provide them with opportunities and tools for upward social mobility.
No bad blood with Hans
On heading face-to-face with another influential celebrity, Altimet insists there is no animosity between him and Hans, as the two are on good terms.
“We talk and we’re both gentlemen. We remain cordial. Hans is a bit of a sportsman. I’m not but I appreciate sports. On the pitch, you want to win, and I want to win. So, we are not enemies, but we are opponents, but off the pitch we are friends. He’s certainly a sportsman and a gentleman.”
Altimet signalled that he was not aligned with any factions in the party, especially with a heated contest for the deputy president post between Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Rafizi Ramli.
He added that he is a supporter of party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who he lauds as a capable candidate for prime minister.
“When I was growing up, all I heard my parents talk about when it came to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was that he’s going to be the next prime minister, and there must be a reason for that.” – The Vibes, May 12, 2022
Listen to the full interview in the podcast below:
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