Two local celebrities have shown interest to be fielded as PKR candidates in Selangor for the upcoming state polls.
The duo, PKR Ampang chief Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad and PKR central committee member Hans Isaac, however, said they will leave the final decision to top party leaders.
Syed Ahmad, better known as rapper Altimet (above, right), told Malaysiakini that he remains unaware of any decisions made on potential candidacy, leading up to the official nominations day on July 29.
"So far, I’m unaware of any decisions. As a newcomer to the party and with no high position, I don't have the right to decide. But they (leadership) know I stay in Bukit Antarabangsa.
"As a Muslim, I believe in fate. If I'm not chosen, there must be a reason. So, it is okay if that happens," he said when contacted.
"Ready? Yes. Interested? Yes. Where? That I can't say, so I will just follow (the leadership's decision)," added the composer and singer of ‘Aduh Malaysia’, an opposition anthem widely performed during Pakatan Harapan's GE15 campaign trail.
‘Underground’ issues
There are two state seats under Ampang parliamentary constituency - Bukit Antarabangsa and Lembah Jaya - the former now held by former PKR deputy president-turned-Selangor Perikatan Nasional information chief Azmin Ali.
PKR had wrested Lembah Jaya from PAS in GE14 through its then Selangor Women chief Haniza Mohamed Talha, who had since crossed over to join Parti Bangsa Malaysia.
Altimet revealed that he had in the last nine months served as the Lembah Jaya constituency coordinator for PKR, a role not unlike that of an elected representative.
"It is just that I do not attend the state assembly sitting and I don't earn a full salary.
"My focus is more on 'underground' issues and to channel assistance, informing the people of Selangor government initiatives such as insurance, help for senior citizens, and shopping vouchers," he explained.
Ready for anything
PKR party polls in July last year saw both Altimet and Hans (above) in a six-cornered contest for its Ampang division chief post.
Hans was announced as the initial winner, but re-election on July 29 after claims of alleged misconduct by another candidate - Daing Muhammad Reduan Bachok - saw Altimet being elected to the position.
Hans, who was recently appointed as the Malaysia Stadium Corporation chairperson, subsequently ran for a higher leadership position and was elected as one of 20 PKR's central committee members.
When contacted, Hans denied a perception that he is "lobbying" to be fielded as an election candidate, while at the same time being ready to contest or support any other chosen Harapan candidates.
"Everybody knew I wanted to contest in Ampang (parliamentary seat) but the seat was given to Rodziah (Ismail), and I supported her all the way.
"So, there is no difference in this state election," he told Malaysiakini today.
Nine-cornered contest
In GE15, the Ampang seat saw a nine-cornered contest involving Harapan's Rodziah against PKR's former vice-president and then incumbent Zuraida Kamarudin, PN, BN, Warisan, and three Independents.
Since joining PKR in 2020, Hans said he had spent time working in Ampang, where he lives.
"People know what I have been doing here. I'll always put the party and people first.
"I'll go with the process on whether I'm fielded to contest.
"I put my name in as a selection and if the leadership sees benefit in me serving, I will accept," said the actor and director.
Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that PKR is expected to contest 59 seats in the upcoming elections in six states, which will be held on Aug 12.
For Selangor, PKR will be defending 20 of the seats it won in 2018 - including Bukit Antarabangsa and Gombak Setia, whose incumbents defected during the 2020 Sheraton Move. - Mkini
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