SHAH ALAM – It was a rather unusual setting for an interview – in the compound of a surau under a zinc shelter, right after zohor prayers.
However, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, Pejuang’s candidate in Shah Alam in the 15th general election, was all business and got right into the interview after a firm handshake, smile, and brief exchange of pleasantries.
“I have been a lawyer for the past 20 years, during which time I have seen many aspects of life through the lenses of my clients and the justice system. This has given me a bird’s-eye view of what life is like in Malaysia,” the first-time candidate said in his introduction.
The lawyer, who also represents his party, said the decision to join it was not difficult, despite the other new parties to choose from in the wake of the political turbulence plaguing Malaysia in recent years.
Cutting a friendly and composed figure, the 45-year-old said he was drawn to Pejuang as it brands itself a party willing to achieve political success by doing good.
The party attracted me because of its clean leaders, strong manifesto, and strong stance against corruption.
“The fact remains that it doesn’t have leaders who have been convicted or embroiled in scandals,” Rafique told The Vibes.
Pejuang, led by the 97-year-old Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has made the fight against corruption one of its core principles, and aims to make inroads into the already-congested political landscape.
However, its decision to lead a Malay-only coalition called Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) has not sat well with many Malaysians who advocate multiracialism.
However, Rafique said this shouldn’t prevent Malaysians from supporting Pejuang, for the simple reason that the party upholds the rule of law and the federal constitution.
“Under the constitution, the rights of all races and religions are guaranteed. That message must go through very clearly to the masses.
“I don't think the non-Malays should be too worried. Look at the facts, and then make your decision,” he said.
Underdog, but not out to please political masters
Making his electoral debut in urban Shah Alam, Rafique calls himself the underdog, but is unperturbed at facing candidates from more established parties and coalitions.
To him, the greater intention of serving the rakyat is more important.
“I think every candidate has a fair chance at winning. Yes, on paper, I’m the underdog, I have smaller machinery, but don’t forget that all three of my opponents are (former) political aides (to prominent politicians).
“I’m coming into this game for the rakyat. I’m not here to appease my political masters, or to support any individual for prime ministership, or to ensure my party wins so my leaders will be taken off their cases. This is what the rakyat needs to see.”
In a four-cornered fight in Shah Alam, Rafique will face Pakatan Harapan’s Azli Yusof, Barisan Nasional’s Isham Jalil, and Perikatan Nasional’s Afif Bahardin.
Azli is the former political secretary to Shah Alam incumbent MP Khalid Abdul Samad, while Isham had served as the special officer to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Afif was formerly with PH in PKR, and was a close aide to PKR-turned-Bersatu politician Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Although Pejuang lost all its 42 candidates’ deposits in the Johor election in March, Rafique said this should not be a yardstick to measure Pejuang and GTA’s performance in GE15.
In the Johor polls, many were not familiar with Pejuang then as the party was still new and was making its first election foray.
Another factor for its wipeout in Johor was Pejuang’s solo electoral bid without the umbrella of a coalition.
“Johor was the catalyst that (showed) we had to (be part of) a coalition. Malaysians are more comfortable looking at a group (of parties) that can come together with a common theme to enhance Malaysia.
“So if you ask how worried I am that we will lose our deposits (in GE15), I leave it to the will of God. But with whatever small machinery we have, we do have people willing to sacrifice for the sake of the party and struggle.
“I think if we have that spirit, we can overcome the numbers,” he said. – The Vibes, November 12, 2022
