THE election of a former distinguished military officer to the Lower House is a valuable opportunity to enhance the legislative arm with expert insights into national security and defence matters.
Former chief of Defence Force Gen (rtd) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor could create history if he wins the Kemaman by-election tomorrow as the first highest-ranking army official to join the Dewan Rakyat.
The Barisan Nasional candidate’s standing as a former top military man could contribute significantly to policies related to the armed forces, enhancing the formulation of effective and informed policies related to national security.
Raja Mohamed Affandi, who served 43 years in the army before leading the Malaysian Armed Forces in 2016, agreed his long years in the army would come in handy when drafting acts on security.
"If it is about ex-generals there are other ex-generals in parliament, Ketereh (MP) is an ex-general, but I’m the first PAT (Defence Force chief).
“What can I bring? I can bring that can be brought by a politician, the pulse of the constituents’ wishes and needs.
“In terms of security and defence, I have experience there, maybe the inputs (I can give) can help in making policies, in making decisions and giving input that can make good decisions," he told Bernama.
Raja Mohamed Affandi faces Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar of PAS in a straight fight for Kemaman.
Political analyst Datuk Prof Sivamurugan Pandian said the most important thing a member of parliament must have is the ability to raise issues of public interest and debate with a rational and practical mind.
“Background does not really matter. Tan Sri Affendi has that personality which adds value to his PAT background," he said.
However, it will be an uphill battle for him to secure the constituency, given that BN lost the seat by more than a 27,000 majority in the 2022 general election.
If he wins, Raja Mohamed Affandi will be the sole opposition representative in Terengganu, where PAS holds all the eight parliamentary seats, including Kemaman and the 32 state seats.
PAS has fielded Samsuri in Kemaman, who is not only a menteri besar but also an aerospace expert.
Crime and security analyst Datuk Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim said both candidates have their niche and experiences that would serve the country well.
"No doubt they have their own experience, but that is not enough, unless they are given a specific portfolio.
"It will be a waste (of their talent) if you are only in the Dewan Rakyat, if you are only in charge of making recommendations, Give these people a portfolio; maybe their expertise can be better used," he said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave the assurance that Raja Mohamed Affandi, if elected, would not be merely taking on the role of an MP.
“With his position, I believe that if he were to become a member of parliament, he would not want to be just an ordinary elected representative. We need to assign tasks to ensure good relations with the government and the prime minister, so make sure that the BN candidate wins,” he said. – Bernama, December 1, 2023.
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