Former malaysiakini journalist Susan Loone will contest for a state seat in Penang in the upcoming general election under Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan)'s ticket.

The Penang-born newcomer resigned from the online news organisation last month after making her decision to enter politics.

Loone, a malaysiakini team member for four years, is expected to contest in the Batu Uban state seat.

"It was not an easy decision, but one that I have thought about for ages. I know that once I choose this path, there is no turning back. Win or lose, the struggle must go on," she said in a phone interview today.

"I know that the time will come when everyone will have to make a stand. Sometimes, it happens too late, when our loved ones are already hurt, when we lose the things we need most in life. I do not want to wait when it is already too late," said 41-year-old Loone.

She said that it was only through active politics that the society can change for the better.

"Writing is not enough. It is only through direct participation in politics that will make things better and bring about change in our society," she stressed.

PRM member

Loone said she shared the political philosophy espoused by well-known Romanian journalist-turn-politician Elie Wiesel.

"Wiesel once said: I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented," Loone quoted him as saying.

Wiesel, who headed the Presidential Commission on the Holocaust - an organisation which campaigned against hatred, racism and genocide - won the 1986 Nobel Peace prize.

Loone is a member of Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) since 1997, but she put her membership on hold after she became a journalist. PRM merged with Keadilan last August.

She said the Penang state legislature requires more opposition voice, especially from women. At present, there is no woman state assemblyperson in the opposition.

Loone said her main concerns among others, include press freedom, women issues, equality and justice, transparency in the government and many long-standing local issues.

"Even when I was a journalist, I have been concern over many Penang issues such as the Porr (Penang Outer Ring Road project), police abuse, flood victims and hawkers issue.

"I have highlighted them through my reporting, but it is time for me to make a stand and bring up these issues directly," she said.

Inspired by Syed Husin

Loone added that her vast working experience in Penang has also helped her to understand local issues better.

Before entering journalism, she had worked in a private college and the Women Crisis Centre, a Penang-based women non-governmental organisation.

According to Loone, two individuals influenced her to join politics - Keadilan deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali (right) and Penang Keadilan deputy chief Cheah Kah Peng.

"Dr Syed Husin has inspired me, but the one who really defined my part is Cheah because people like him gives politics a new meaning," she said.

Asked on her chances of winning, she replied: "If people need an opposition voice, I'm sure I have a very good chance. After all, it is they who will decide."

Loone is expected to face an uphill task to wrest Batu Uban from the ruling Gerakan.

The seat was won by Penang state executive councillor for women's affairs and development and tourism Khee Phaik Cheen with a thumping majority of 6,070 out of 20,552 votes cast in the last election.