SETIAWANGSA PKR Branch Chief Afdlin Shauki said he was not ashamed of the title of comedian and a director, producer, writer, educator, and social activist.
However, he said he took note of a statement by PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli that referred to him as a "professional comedian" with regards to his victory as the PKR Setiawangsa chief.
"Although it may have been delivered in a joking tone, the impact is not small.
"I have contributed to the formation of the mind and soul of society through art for over 30 years.
"Art is not just empty entertainment, it is a reflection of society, and sometimes more honest," he said.
Afdlin said he was not ashamed of the title as it is part of his identity as an artist.
"It is also the way I have supported my family all these years. But when that label is used in the context of questioning the qualifications and mandate of leadership given by the grassroots, then it carries a different meaning.
"It's as if the voice of the members who elected me doesn't deserve respect just because my background doesn't come from a 'political factory'.
"Let me emphasise that I entered the contest not when the party was at the peak of power, but when many chose to stay away when PKR lost badly due to the Sheraton Move," he said.
He stressed that he did not wait for a wide-open opportunity to join, but came forward when the party was wounded, and many no longer believed that it could rise again.
"I chose to be confident and fight, even from a field that is foreign to politicians, namely the art world.
"Even more sad, there are still those who think that I am just a 'winner in the head, loser in the body'.
"The fact is, my entire team in Setiawangsa, including the Deputy Branch Head, Vice Branch Head, Committee and AMK Head also won in the election," he said.
This is not a personal victory, this is the collective voice of the grassroots demanding new breath and leadership that is ready to go to the field, not just appear on the discourse stage, he said.
Afdlin said the world of art has shaped him not to be a perfect leader, but to be a human being who knows how to listen, empathise, and feel the pulse of the people. "Politics without humanity is just a dry management of power. I am here to bring values, not just an image.
"I chose this path because I am convinced that art and politics are two fields that can touch the conscience of the people, and I want to be a bridge between the creative world and a more humane administration.
"I believe that if we really want to see justice remain relevant, then we must celebrate differences, not belittle them," he said.
He said young people, professionals, the arts community and ordinary people must see this party as a house of inclusive struggle, not a place for mockery among leaders.
"I still hold on to my principles. I am open to working together, including with Rafizi himself, to build a stronger branch and take the party forward.
"But I will also not remain silent when the integrity and mandate I carry are openly and cynically questioned.
"Let us return to the basics of the struggle: respect grassroots decisions, celebrate diverse backgrounds, and work for the people — not for the praise of our fellow citizens," he added.
Sources close to the party leadership, meanwhile said Rafizi's problem despite being eloquent and a good orator for campaigns, is that he unable to get things done and often blames others for his shortcomings.
“Look at the faction he leads in PKR … most have the same problem. Eloquent but no real delivery.
“It is interesting to note that his closest ally Nik Nazmi was defeated by Afdlin, which explains his belittling statement about Afdlin,” said the source.
Afdlin defeated Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in the branch elections last month, winning by 631 votes to 563. - May 13, 2025
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