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Political parties now see high value in artistes – association
Political parties' move to involve celebrities as part of their official campaign machinery will serve as added recognition for their chosen act's relevance or popularity.
Actor Zed Zaidi, president of Seniman - a local artiste association - said their inclusion in such campaigns, for example leading towards the forthcoming 15th general election, is seen as a positive sign.
Political parties' move to involve celebrities as part of their official campaign machinery will serve as added recognition for their chosen act's relevance or popularity.
Actor Zed Zaidi, president of Seniman - a local artiste association - said their inclusion in such campaigns, for example leading towards the forthcoming 15th general election, is seen as a positive sign.
"Before this, celebrities are just seen as sideshows (in politics) and used only while elections are ongoing.
"However, each party has its own strategy and agenda. In this case, parties are seeing the high value carried by an individual artiste," said Zed, or his real name, Rozaidi Jamil.
"Any advantage they possess is now seen as a must-have 'weapon' from the start in order to win in GE15," Zed told Malaysiakini.
Zed, 42, said aside from championing local issues affecting the people, celebrities in politics also had an opportunity to fight for improvements within their own industry.
"When joining politics, there will be an overall focus and their fight will be for the local constituents.
"But at the same time, they can also fight to push the local entertainment scene to a higher level as they understand the industry," said Zed, who once ran and lost for a central executive post in Umno Youth.
Earlier this week, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced the appointment of “Mat Kilau” actor Adi Putra as Selangor BN Youth icon.
The actor, or his real name Mohamed Hadi Putera Halim, in return, declared readiness to assist the BN Youth machinery in all states ahead of GE15.
In past elections, other celebrities formally involved with political parties or ran for a seat included comedian Shahrol Shiro, singers Aishah, Dayang Ku Intan and Herman Tino, as well as actress Anne Ngasri.
Of the list of celebrities who contested in elections, only one had won in recent times - actress Dira Abu Zahar - now Rim assemblyperson and Melaka state-assembly deputy speaker.
At the grassroots level, rapper Altimet defeated actor and producer Hans Isaac for the post of Ampang PKR chief in the party's election held this year.
Since then, Altimet or his real name Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, had recently launched “Aduh Malaysia” - his new single with lyrics targeting corrupt politicians.
Meanwhile, film producer and director Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nazri said more artistes are now increasingly becoming aware of the need for involvement in politics.
However, the former National Film Development Corporation (Finas) CEO said those involved should dedicate their efforts to helping the people.
"Malaysians are free to join any party. From a positive perspective, artistes are now more serious to be in politics.
"When they are in a party, do work that contributes to the people. Do not join just to be made a party mascot.
"I believe that each individual artiste has their own strength that can be used to strengthen their chosen party," he said.
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