In the general election of 2008, a political tsunami hit Malaysia and Perak was one of five states lost by the previously impregnable Umno/BN.
However, while Penang and Selangor have remained in Pakatan hands ever since, Perak experienced repeated turbulence, starting with the toppling of the elected state administration in 2009.
In the 14th general election (GE14) in 2018, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, also known as Peja, squeaked in through the doors of Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan with a narrow victory of just 39 votes in Chenderiang and somehow benefitted, becoming the menteri besar as Bersatu’s only state assemblyperson.
He eventually set his own path after Bersatu left the Pakatan Harapan coalition during the Sheraton Move in 2020. Ahmad Faizal then formed the state government based on support from Umno and PAS, before he himself was toppled.
Tebing Tinggi assemblyperson Abdul Aziz Bari believes Harapan has unfinished business in the state and he himself is keen to contest against Ahmad Faizal in the Tambun parliamentary seat.
Malaysiakini has tried on a few occasions to seek Ahmad Faizal’s response to the challenge, but he has declined to respond.
Aziz said he was not surprised by the silence.
“We want to continue, and we know that there is disappointment and fatigue among voters, but we ask to be given another chance with a clear mandate in Perak.
“In the past, we were not able to deliver. Twice we won but the state government's majority was razor thin and didn’t even reach mid-term due to sabotage within the ranks. This has been the case since 2008 when Pakatan Rakyat first won in Perak.
“We need a more stable government unlike before,” Aziz told Malaysiakini.
Aziz vs Ahmad Faizal
Aziz has made headlines on occasion for criticising the gaffe-prone Ahmad Faizal, notably when he suggested the Bersatu man should consider punching his own face when the latter said he wanted to punch those who insult former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
However, Aziz says that despite Ahmad Faizal’s insecurity, he never considered gunning for the menteri besar’s job.
“Realpolitik is different. In 2018, the state elections were very close. He was the guy who was able to bring in two members from the other side so he was in a position to demand.
“I was actually willing to serve under him but he never gave me the chance from day one and instead he chose to be suspicious of me,” recalled Aziz.
“I once told him point-blank: We’re not here to bring you down, but dia yang cari gaduh dengan saya (he was the one picking a fight with me).
“He pushed me around on the basis that as MB, he had the prerogative, forgetting that he’s in the MB position due to our support,” he added.
When Aziz raised the possibility of contesting in Tambun, he got support from DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, who said: “I support Aziz Bari in his proposal and, as Ahmad Faizal had stood on the Bersatu ticket in the 14th general election, Aziz Bari would be able to start work in the Tambun parliamentary constituency if both PKR and Amanah could give their support to the proposal.”
However, Perak Amanah Youth chief Khairol Najib Hashim appeared unconvinced, choosing to remind Harapan leaders at all levels to respect the mandate given to members of the Harapan seat negotiation committee and avoid public statements that were personal in nature.
How politics is now played
Regardless of how it plays out, Aziz is glad that election campaigns seem to have evolved a little.
“Back to the 1990s, it was such a dominant Umno/BN vs PAS and DAP and they would play up dangerous issues like 1969 or Bukit Kepong. If you look at how they are campaigning now, it’s different because such issues don’t click with the younger generation.
“Still, we have to understand what we want and beware of how the other side can play it. We were quite inexperienced when we were in government.
“When we wanted to give a freehold title to recognise New Villagers who played a role in containing the Communist threat, they quickly twisted it to become ‘giving Malay rights to non-Malays.’ These are the dangerous lengths they are willing to go to and campaign among Malay society with this explosive narrative,” he said.
Aziz said there was still much to do both at the state and federal levels.
“We need to get rid of nonsense laws like (the) Sedition (Act) that allow for detention without trial. I would like to see lots of restrictions on students lifted, especially now that we have Undi18. We need to mature into a system where everybody can take part.”
He said Perak should push for elected city councils to allow for greater grassroots involvement.
Aziz also warned that if Malaysia did not find a solution quickly, the decades-long issues of migration and brain drain would only get worse.
“Migrating is not only confined to non-Malays. People are looking for greener pastures and Malaysia doesn’t allow dual citizenship.
“At the end of the day, it’s about opportunity and if you can use your talent elsewhere but not in this country, you will leave.
“We must try to accommodate our diverse talents. It’s quite a shame to find, for example, that in a neighbouring country, many good people are ours. It says something about our system,” Aziz added. - Mkini
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