Actor Afdlin says will remain in PKR to 'uphold justice'

INTERVIEW | Turning away or giving up from politics is not an option for entertainer Afdlin Shauki Aksan, despite calls from certain parties urging him to leave PKR. 

The calls follow the director-cum-actor’s move to lodge a police report over alleged shortcomings in PKR’s recent internal elections for the term 2022-2025.

Speaking with Malaysiakini, Afdlin said he has personal reasons behind his decision to remain with the party despite unhappiness expressed by certain quarters.

“If the good people leave, then over time only the bad ones will remain with the party,” said Afdlin. 

At the same time, Afdlin said he also deserves a fair chance to have his doubts on the election process carried out by PKR’s election committee addressed. 

Based on personal observations, Afdlin said he had found many discrepancies in the election system. 

“If I don’t try to uphold justice, what is the point of me joining a party that has ‘justice’ in its name?

“I don’t need to care about what others have to say. That is why I’m not afraid, and I don’t feel an ounce of shame to uphold justice in these instances,” said Afdlin.

“For me, whether the person is an old or new member of PKR, they have a right to voice their views. If there is injustice, the matter must be probed,” he said.

Prepared to lose

Describing himself as a positive person, the actor said he is prepared in the event that the result of the election’s forensic audit to be tabled on June 26 confirmed his loss for the post of Setiawangsa PKR division chief.

Afdlin said failure in his first bid will not in any way affect ongoing efforts to help the needy.

“I am a very positive person. It is not easy for me to admit defeat unless the outcome is determined by the rightful party. 

“If proven there is no external influence and I still lost, I’ll accept it. That means, many people are supporting the candidate that won, so there’s no problem. I can go for a holiday, take a quick break,” he said.

In Setiawangsa, Afdlin lost to incumbent and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who also unofficially won one of three PKR vice-president posts. 

Moving forward, Afdlin said he will remain with PKR so long as there is room and his service is required.

The 51-year-old, who was previously an Umno member, joined PKR in March last year, pledging support for party president Anwar Ibrahim.

Afdlin’s move was followed by singer-songwriter Altimet who also vied for and lost his bid for the Ampang PKR division chief post.

Afdlin, together with fellow celebrity Hans Isaac who also lost in Ampang, remains in the contest for one of 20 PKR central leadership council (MPP) seats. 

On his preparations, Afdlin said he did not continue with any efforts pending a review of the election results.

“But I’ll still continue to help the people through a foundation. My name is still on the MPP candidate list.

“If it’s meant to be then it will be, but otherwise, it is okay,” he added.

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