GE14 | At first, Bersatu's deputy strategy and policy bureau chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan was rather shocked to be cast as the candidate for Pendang in Kedah.
But the former political scientist also felt that if he were to enter the election race in this "mother of all elections", it is better to do it in his hometown of Kedah.
"I was hoping to be given a chance to contribute to the land where I was born.
"Yes, at first I was shocked but also thankful that my request was fulfilled by the top party leaders," he told Malaysiakini in an interview in Langkawi.
Wan Saiful was first speculated to be fielded in Titiwangsa, to face caretaker finance minister II Johari Abdul Ghani but it was quashed on Sunday when Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced his candidacy in Pendang.
In the beginning, Wan Saiful felt a little reserved about his candidacy in Pendang, but when he went to the ground he felt encouraged by the strong support from the party's machinery in Pendang, and Kedah as a whole.
"Such strong and encouraging support put at rest my initial reservation and concern about contesting here."
He does not see his involvement in the academic world as a stumbling block in reaching the rural folk, for he mixes around with all levels of society, including policymakers and politicians.
During his networking among the BN and Umno camps, he found they too are not comfortable with what is going on with Najib.
These sentiments and feelings of anger have built inside him for more than eight years and finally, he decided to partake in politics to bring about change in the country.
Pendang is a rural area but Wan Saiful said he feels uncomfortable when outsiders think they are not so sophisticated compared to the urban folk.
"As if urbanites are too smart or farsighted. If we talk to the rural folk, we would realise that the issues we speak of in cities are similar to what is being discussed in the kampung, as these are real issues affecting the people," Wan Saiful said.
"The challenge for those in the ivory tower and academicians is to prove their knowledge can be used for all levels of societies," he added.
Wan Saiful denies being an autocrat, saying he was born in Alor Setar, merely 30 minutes from Pendang.
He has relatives in Kedah, including Langkawi, and Perlis, although he lives in Kajang, Selangor.
"Going back home to the kampung is something that I am used to, although journalists or policymakers may think I am more comfortable in the urban areas. But truth is, I am comfortable anywhere," he said.
The real challenge for Wan Saiful now is to prove that he can understand the issues plaguing the people in Pendang, despite being perceived as an outsider.
"This is something I can get used to, it's just like balik kampung for me, to return to Kedah, my hometown, and to be given a chance to contest in Pendang is an honour for me," he said.
The issue in Pendang is the increasing cost of living and low wages, Wan Saiful noted.
He may face an uphill task in Pendang as he will be challenged by Umno and PAS candidates.
However, he said he is not too worried about the scenario.
For Wan Saiful, Pendang incumbent MP Mohamed Taulan Mat Rasul is a friend and he has many acquaintances among PAS members too.
"Both Umno and PAS are facing a split in their parties and we may benefit from that, by getting their voters, but we will not rely solely on this.
"I would have to go down to meet voters and to explain to them about our manifesto and to tell them that a vote for any non-Harapan candidate is a vote for Najib and Umno to remain in power," he said.
Mahathir's influence strong in Kedah
Wan Saiful added that Mahathir's influence is strong in Kedah and Umno appears to be worried about the wave brought about by his presence in this election.
Many voters in Kedah felt that Mahathir's son Mukhriz, the former menteri besar, was treated badly by his former party, especially for speaking out against the GST, he said.
"I am really thankful to be able to contest here in Kedah as I will definitely benefit from the Mahathir-Mukhriz wave. Also, the support from ground leaders has been very encouraging.
"If you remember, when my candidacy was announced, it got one of the most rousing response from the people attending the ceramah in Langkawi that Sunday," he said.
However, Wan Saiful expressed hope that the election campaign this time would be more gentleman-like instead of using racial issues to scare voters or corrupted by throwing money at them to obtain votes.
Although Najib did say "Cash is King", Wan Saiful urged his Umno opponents not to practise such culture.
He said racial issues do not exist in Pendang as it is a Malay majority seat and its candidates are Malays.
"But if such issues are raised by Umno, it would split the Malays more, and thus, destroy the unity of the people in Pendang."
Wan Saiful's message to voters?
"It's simple. We have a choice and our choice is whether we want to maintain a government that is obviously corrupt, or do we want to change to a leader who was once known to have brought Malaysia to great heights?
"This is an easy choice and I hope the Pendang voters would lend a hand in making this change, not just for me, but to help Mahathir return as PM, to rectify this administration so that he can pass on the legacy to his successor.
"Let Mahathir himself achieve his Vision 2020. We hope the people of Pendang can help us achieve this vision," he added.- Mkini
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