Walking into the dragon’s lair: Tawfik v Zahid in Bagan Datuk

KUALA LUMPUR – “I’m walking into the dragon’s lair.”

Tawfik Ismail was under no illusion with the Herculean task he has ahead when he declared he will challenge Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Bagan Datuk this coming general election. 

Speaking to The Vibes, the Gerak Independent (GI) candidate said he decided to beard the lion in his den to show Malay voters alternative Malay leaders that are more progressive than what Umno and PAS has to offer.

“Personally, (I have) nothing (against Zahid), but in terms of principles, I think this is a fight that the Malays have to take upon themselves. People are talking about Malay leadership and all that.

“It’s crazy that they are projecting only one characteristic, which is an insult to the rest of us. 

“He (Zahid) embodies everything that is wrong with being a Malay. It’s time that a Malay took him on,” said Tawfik, who once held the Sg Benut (now Simpang Renggam) parliamentary constituency from 1986 to 1990.

The former Umno lawmaker is the son of the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, the former deputy prime minister.

Tawfik expressed his belief that he can capitalise on Zahid’s possible overconfidence, seeing that he plans on taking the undefeated Bagan Datuk incumbent on his home turf.

Saying that people tend to be very comfortable when they feel that they are safe, he added that he hopes Zahid will show his vulnerability or make a blunder during the contest so Tawfik can utilise it to his advantage.

Earlier, Tawfik, who has been a political activist and anti-corruption advocate, had expressed his intention to take the fight against the former deputy prime minister in the Malaysia First WhatsApp group.

“I will fight in Bagan Datuk, Perak, and anywhere Zahid runs, and theme my campaign ‘Rakyat vs Rasuah’. I will call on all Malaysians who hate corruption to see my fight as their fight. 

“I am not splitting Pakatan Harapan (PH) votes, and am instead taking my fight to the Malay heartland. Insya-Allah, we, GI, and Malaysia First will prevail,” said Tawfik.

His stance should address some of the concerns and criticisms levelled at GI, as members of the public and PH parties have questioned Siti Kassim’s plan to contest PKR-held seat Batu.

However, it is still going to be an uphill battle for David against Goliath, as Zahid has never been defeated since he first took the seat in 1995. – The Vibes, October 13, 2022