KUALA LUMPUR – Inclusivity and diplomacy appear to be at the crux of Datuk Afdlin Shauki's manifesto as he wrestles for the position of Setiawangsa PKR chief with incumbent Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Among other things, the celebrity actor and director said he and his team will continue to contribute to PKR’s struggles and is willing to cooperate with any party member regardless of the outcome of the coming PKR election.
In his manifesto shared with The Vibes, the award-winning entertainer also vowed to give the rank and file bigger roles to play in the Setiawangsa division, while also promising proactivity across political affiliations, should he be given the mandate to lead.
“We will work without stress, full of commitment, and we will bring about politics of joy. Why should we fight if we can sit down and discuss? Differences of opinion are normal, but consensus will make Setiawangsa extraordinary.
“Our commitment is to PKR, and no matter what happens, #KitaSemuaKeadilan (we are all PKR),” he said.
“If we are elected, we want to work together with whoever from PKR Setiawangsa who wants to contribute to the party’s success. If we lose, we will remain committed to help, if needed.”
PKR’s polls kick off today and will run the course of 10 days as the party looks to vote in new leadership for up to 2025.
Afdlin, who first made his mark in the entertainment industry, only joined PKR last year before announcing his intention to throw his hat into the PKR election ring last month.
The actor and comedian admitted that he is up for a tough fight in his two-horse battle with Nik Nazmi, a career politician who is also a former PKR Youth chief and is currently vying for the vice presidency.
Nik Nazmi was a two-term assemblyman for Seri Setia between 2008 and 2018 before making his parliamentary debut in the Setiawangsa seat following the 14th general election.
Meanwhile, Afdlin recently told The Vibes that service is the driving force behind his decision to contest the division chief post, claiming Setiawangsa needed rejuvenation to ensure the party retains the constituency in the coming federal polls.
According to his manifesto, his efforts to revitalise Setiawangsa will see branch leaders invited to join divisional meetings and empowered to coordinate programmes at the micro level.
These leaders will also be appointed to lead the district electoral machinery during the general election, he said.
On the same note, Afdlin said if he is voted in as division chief, his priorities will include preparing the machinery, with immediate training provided for polling and counting agents and an election operation room set up alongside an election committee.
Asked if he is confident of accomplishing his manifesto promises, Afdlin answered in the affirmative, explaining that his proposals are not unreachable, but merely involve matters that “require a lot more care and attention”.
“I have been a resident of Setiawangsa for the last 25 years. It is my home and I am invested in the betterment of my home.
“If the people of Setiawangsa are happy with Nik Nazmi’s service, please continue supporting him, but if they are not and want positive changes, my team and I are an alternative.
“We hope whatever the result, we as PKR should regroup and work together for the party to improve our chances during the upcoming general election.” – The Vibes, May 13, 2022
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