CHERAS – “No more calling non-Malays ‘pendatang’ (immigrant),” said Pakatan Harapan’s Bangi candidate Syahredzan Johan.
The 39-year-old stressed that one of the reasons he decided to jump into politics is to fight for a Malaysia where everyone is accepted as equal members of the society.
“I can no longer accept people saying that non-Malays are pendatang (immigrants) or anything of that sort.
“The driving force for me to create positive change is to ensure that we have a government that is for all Malaysians. Not just certain ethnic groups, not just certain segments of society, but for all Malaysians.
“I realise it will take time, but we must start somewhere, right?
If not, we will forever be a divided society,” said Syahredzan when met after delivering a brief speech in front of some 100 diners at the Cheras Traders Square, last night.
This would not be the first time that Syahredzan, also a lawyer, has challenged the racial rhetoric that continues to threaten the fabric of Malaysian society.
One diner, Saran Nair, who has been following the candidate closely on Twitter and is intrigued by his views, said he was glad to finally be able to see Syahredzan upfront.
Saran echoed Syahredzan’s sentiment that the country needs to start being progressive on the racial aspect.
“My friends and I have seen him commenting about various issues eloquently on the news, and we think he represents a fairer Malaysia. That is what we need.
“We want to be part of Malaysia, but if you do not let us, by calling us pendatang (immigrants), we will feel hurt.
“(We can do so) by having the right people (in the government) who would put us back on track, (with) a vision where we all could live and progress together,” said Saran.
Meanwhile, being a lecturer at a private university also gave Siti Munirah Abdul Karim insight into what the younger generation wants for the country.
She shared that they envision “a big change” in the country, which she believes Syahredzan is capable of.
“I can see that the younger generation has already started to talk about him, not just (about) Syed Saddiq (Syed Abdul Rahman), especially on Twitter.
Personally, I think his age does not really matter, because he is smart, and he does not just represent the Malay community, but also the Chinese and Indians.”
Vincent Dang, who has been a long-time resident of Cheras, is only familiar with incumbent Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming.
Despite having only heard of Ong’s replacement last week, Dang said he is curious as to what Syahredzan would be able to bring to the table.
“Last time when Ong (Kian Ming) contested, he won a lot (of votes).
“So, he (Syahredzan) has big shoes to fill. But with many heavyweights behind him and experienced DAP and Pakatan leaders, I think he could excel.
“He also has many ideas that will help him go far,” Dang added. – The Vibes, November 6, 2022
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