KUALA LUMPUR – The defeat of celebrity contenders in PKR’s polls shows that its grassroots continue to prioritise candidates with a proven track record, analysts said.
Responding to the losses faced by veteran actors Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan and Datuk Hans Isaac, and musician Altimet on Sunday, the analysts said PKR members have yet to be convinced that their famous members could make good politicians.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun said while celebrity status comes with its advantages for the party, it may not translate into desired reforms.
“Celebrity status per se helps a bit when one is running in a general election, for the name recognition is there.
But in the context of developing countries, an election is also about delivering tangible goods, or at least a glimmer of hope for change.”
Despite the fanfare, Hans and Altimet lost in their bids for the Ampang division chief post, conceding the seat to controversial figure Daing Muhammad Reduan Bachok.
Daing Muhammad raked in the most votes at 942, followed by Hans’ 609.
Altimet, whose real name is Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman, trailed in third with 589 votes.
Similarly, Afdlin faced defeat in the race for the Setiawangsa division chief post at the hands of incumbent and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The actor managed to garner 372 votes compared with rival Nik Nazmi, who obtained 482 votes.
At least two of the entertainers are said to be close allies of party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but Oh said this meant little or nothing to party members.
Being closely associated with Anwar would fare one well perhaps in the upper echelons of the party, where loyalty to Anwar is paramount to one’s ascendancy, but may not go down well with the grassroots who increasingly see Anwar as being lacking in direction for the party at large.”
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azmil Tayeb said Sunday’s results were “a clear sign” that celebrity status did not appeal to PKR members.
“A reliable and proven track record of service matters most. Additionally, elected officials have the influence to help strengthen their position in the party, such as access to government resources.”
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist Prof Azmi Hassan said having a reputable name alone was not a determining factor, as there are many others at play.
“You need to demonstrate that you are a capable leader with value-added leadership in the party. They probably did not demonstrate enough leadership to convey that they are indeed party assets.” – The Vibes, May 31, 2022
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