The Malaysian Insight

FOUR years ago, a motley crew of political parties gave Malaysians a vision of how politics in the country could be.

Though different in ideology, PKR, DAP and PAS banded together under the Pakatan Rakyat banner to inspire Malaysians for the 13th general election.

During the campaign period, they erected a podium for Malaysians to stand together, but somewhere a long the way, things took a twist when PAS broke ties with DAP over the hudud issue in Kelantan.

Although some prominent campaigners declined to express their thoughts on this, The Malaysian Insight managed to speak to four Malaysians who campaigned for the opposition during that period.

A comedian, an actor, a student activist and social activist shared their experiences and after-election feelings about politics.

“After seeing the twists and turns of PAS’s politics after GE13, and the fracture in Pakatan Harapan, I think they the Opposition coalition should not be obssessed with PAS,” said Sulaiman Ibrahim, also popularly known as “Leman Raja Lawak”.

“PAS are not only unpredictable in terms of attitude, thought, and action but they don’t seem to be steadfast in all the different alliances they have joined.

The comedian said it’s a waste of time for the new coalition, Pakatan Harapan, to try and negotiate an alliance with PAS.

“PAS’ stand is clear as the president (Abdul Hadi Awang) has said PAS will not cooperate with DAP or any parties that work with DAP. So PAS will only have a bright future by working with Umno against Pakatan Harapan,” said the 35-year-old.

 For student activist Adam Adli, he said things have gotten more complex.

“Things were a lot simpler back then. Everyone was doing their best to contribute to the much anticipated change that we had all been dreaming of.

“Today, as things has gotten more complex and complicated than ever, I may not feel the same hype anymore, but I’m looking forward to what’s going to unfold in the upcoming elections.

“The split between the oppositions may have put an end to the hope that we all shared in 2013, but looking at the bright side, we can now see a new dynamic in our politics. And I am sure, whatever happens will open a door to new possibilities for the younger generation,” said the 29-year-old.

But the experience has deeply influenced actor Hairie Othman.

“There were people who liked us. We also had those who hated us. I think we can’t stand this hypocritical environment, when it’s positive we don’t feel it as much. But when it’s negative it gets uncomfortable.”

The Leftenan Adnan actor said he was not oblivious to the criticism surrounding him then.

“If you want to enter politics then you have to be tough. Otherwise, you can get hurt,” said the 46-year-old.

For Hairie, his best memory of the GE13 was the unity he experienced during the campaign.

“My most beautiful memory was when I was campaigning for PAS. Previously there were many who were wary of PAS but during the campaign many waved PAS flags. There were many Chinese and Indians who stepped up and campaigned with PAS.

“The saddest is when PAS cut ties with DAP after the passing of Tuan Guru Nik Aziz (Nik Mat),” said Hairie.

Adam said he remembers the long drives to different ceramah spots all across the country.

“Thanks to the campaigns, I have basically completed my bucket list of places that I must visit in Peninsular Malaysia with my small Perodua Kelisa.

“And truly, the most memorable moments during GE13 was when I happened to be the very first person to be politically arrested and detained after the GE13 under the Sedition Act,” he said in jest.

For social activist Cynthia Gabriel, her most memorable moment was also traveling around the country to places she never visited.

“It was good to do country building and indirectly help create an awareness for good governance and seeing vociferous Malaysians come together in hope for a better country,” said the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) executive director.

 

But would they campaign for Pakatan Harapan in the 14th general election (GE14)?

“Not anymore. I do not want to campaign but I will vote as usual. Now I want to focus on art. I started a 16-episode drama after finally getting the green light. I am making a comeback,” said Hairie, who could not land any more roles after he joined PAS in 2013.

“I am still very much a strong advocate for change and for Malaysia democracy to evolve into a two party system. We want to give voters a real choice at choosing credible candidates and parties with integrity,” said Cynthia.

Adam said that he may not be as active as the last elections.

“I have my reservations on a few areas but I am more than happy to still help some friends who are known to be sincere and supportive of people’s struggle despite the politics,” said Adam.

The old Pakatan Rakyat platform was finally dismantled last week when PAS ended ties with PKR. And in its place stands a new Pakatan Harapan podium.

But will Malaysians dare stand on it again? – May 5, 2017.