PETALING JAYA – Career politicians or long-time party members are a common sight in the nation’s political landscape.
However, come election season, a few unlikely hopefuls would make headlines: singers, actors, and even badminton players have dipped their toes into politics, vying to become MPs or assemblymen.
Not many have been successful in their path: actors Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri and Eizlan Yusof both contested under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pejuang banner in the last general election, only to crash and burn.
Both lost their deposits in the Port Dickson and Sabak constituencies, respectively.
This time around, there are a handful of more “unlikely” candidates who have thrown their names in the hat.
In Selangor, rapper Altimet is vying for the Lembah Jaya state seat.
Known for songs like Kalau Aku Kaya, he is contesting under PKR for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and is up against Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Sharifah Haslizah Syed Ariffin from PAS.
Since nomination day, Altimet, whose real name is Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman, has been battling criticism about his ability to serve as an assemblyman.
Among the concerns raised was that he has built a career in the arts industry and is not well-versed in politics.
It was pointed out, however, that prior to being selected as candidate, Altimet had been a coordinator for the Lembah Jaya state constituency for nine months.
Ok saya tolong jawab. Member 9 bulan jadi penyelaras DUN Lembah Jaya, mengambil alih dari Amir, berkhidmat sbg penjawat awam kerajaan negeri. Tak lama tapi boleh lah eh.
— HermyR (@HermyRahim) July 28, 2023
Sekian dari walanon belum berdaftar cawangan pulau upeh. https://t.co/XLuM6fLuXb
Double standards
Another celebrity attempting to get a seat in the Selangor state assembly is comedian and actor S. Gana Pragasam.
Gana is contesting in Subang Jaya under Bersatu for PN and will face incumbent Michelle Ng of DAP (PH) and Zayd Shaukat Ali of Muda.
He previously questioned why double standards exist when it comes to accepting people of different professions joining national politics.
“When a doctor or lawyer joins politics, no one questions them…nor do they think twice about it.
“But when an artist does it, then the first question suddenly becomes ‘why is an artist in politics’,” he had said.
Gana opined that his comedy and film productions emphasise the struggles people face in life and highlight social issues.
He also claimed to have many ideas to improve the lives of the Subang Jaya community, and is passionate about nature and the environment.
Noble as his ambitions may be, Gana faces a mammoth task ahead, as Ng had previously won the seat with a 48,272-vote majority.
Her Barisan Nasional opponent at the time only managed 7,082 against her 55,354 votes.
Born again
Beyond entertainers, PN’s Pandan Indah candidate Fazil Mohamad Dali has emerged as another unconventional candidate in the coming polls.
Dubbed “Ayahanda Cik Ton”, Fazil’s name has been associated with gangsterism.
The father of 15, however, has shrugged off the issue, saying that it is an old matter used as ammunition to tarnish PN now.
In a news report in April, Fazil was reported as saying that he changed his ways after one of his children attending tahfiz (religious) school would frequently highlight his wrongdoings.
Fearing that his children might end up embarking on his past path by example, Fazil took this as a wake-up call for self-reform.
Once wanted by police, Fazil has since made major changes, going from a life of thuggery to being a community activist.
Fazil is in a four-cornered fight against PH’s Izham Hashim, Muda’s Lisa Redzuan, and independent R. Sivaneswaran. – The Vibes, August 3, 2023
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