'Go with ideas and principles, don't bash religion and race'

INTERVIEW | Senator Fadhlina Sidek believes that the political culture in Malaysia needs an overhaul, with a focus on ideas and principles instead of the people bashing one another based on identity, personalities, race and religion.

“It seems like it is quite difficult now to have this culture of intellectual discourse. This engagement is actually more important and it should be more significant for us to talk about great policies and the contest of ideas.

“Right now, we are instead having unpleasant exchanges with political leaders, even questioning the faiths of others,” Fadhlina, 45, told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview.

She was referring to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who said three weeks ago that the Islamist party will not form any partnership with Pakatan Harapan because many of its leaders are “non-believers and immoral”.

“I think we should encourage dialogue and debate, but we should not allow some politicians to say we have no faith and morals.

“How could you say that to me? How can we allow these sorts of statements, which can threaten our safety and harmony?” asked the PKR Women’s chief.

“The interpretation of who is more Islamic shouldn’t be an issue. Our party president Anwar (Ibrahim) has talked about a cosmopolitan Islam. The fundamental values are compassion, justice and consultation. Just because you don’t have a conservative interpretation doesn’t make you less Muslim,” Fadhlina said.

She said she hopes that PKR and Pakatan Harapan are able to be seen as promoting harmonious dialogue on difficult and sensitive matters, instead of sweeping issues under the carpet.

“This is something I got from my late father (former Abim leader and Institut Darul Ehsan chairperson Siddiq Fadzil) that we should read, learn and debate ideas,” she said.

While her late father was an inspiration, Fadhlina said, he had not liked the idea of her joining politics.

“My father really hated the idea of me joining politics and he didn’t give his consent, saying ‘you will suffer’. My mom had a different position. After he passed away, she supported me and said, ‘go and make the change’. 

“My father had a strong conviction about knowledge, and that great knowledge will have an impact. Leadership needs knowledge,” she said.

“Not for a second in my life did I think of giving up. We have a belief in the long struggle and there is nothing that says our struggle is until here only.

“I believe in good things, good judgement and good people. One day, Malaysia will be great again. (But) we have to work hard,” she added.

Time as a senator

Fadhlina has made a relatively rapid ascent since she plunged full-time into politics, being appointed as a senator last year and elected PKR Women’s chief recently. She sees it as an extension of her life-long activism.

“My passion was always in activism. It was always close to my heart and now I have the opportunity to make a difference as part of the lawmaking process. I would say that being appointed to the Dewan Negara was the biggest game changer in my life.

“It’s very interesting to have the opportunity to debate issues of the day. People are watching you and the support from the activist groups is very significant,” she added.

She said there are, aside from the recent Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) scandal, many significant issues affecting women that need to be addressed immediately. These include sexual harassment, child marriage, equal citizenship rights, domestic violence, equal pay and period spot checks in schools.

“I would start with leadership. It’s not about 30 percent (women) representation but having forward-thinking leadership. We can work across the political divide.

“It’s a long process when we talk about women and child issues. The anti-sexual harassment bill - for which we have been waiting for so many years.

“This morning, I was talking to YB Mas Ermieyati about anti-stalking. I’m sorry to say but I think former minister Azalina Othman Said is doing more work on women’s issues than minister Rina Harun.

“We must be consistent with the idea of reforms and pick the right candidates to carry out the reforms,” said Fadhlina, who has yet to decide if she will run in the next general election. Incidentally, as a senator, she will not need to resign to contest in a state election but will have to do so if she runs for the Dewan Rakyat.

She acknowledged that the party also needs to thrash out issues with Muda and other possible allies quickly. “Until now, the decision has not been made. They are not rejected, not fully accepted (either). It’s about principles and what is the value-added that they are bringing on board. Some PKR members are sceptical of Muda's links to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“There is also a list of independents led by lawyer Siti Kasim. This is democracy, but if they are running in seats held by Harapan, does it help the rakyat or BN?”

When she’s not busy trying to make a difference in the political arena, Fadhlina says that being a mother is still her priority.

“I have the usual mother’s role. Pile of clothes to wash. I miss my children so much, especially now that I have to travel a lot more. Before, I used to watch Korean dramas, but nowadays I don’t have time. I think most of it is spent reading. That’s how I heal myself. Reading.

“I always say this to my friends who finally go abroad and leave for good. I say I cannot promise but please go and come back. Especially when they witness my struggle in politics, they give their support,” Fadhlina said.

“I think we need not make sweet promises, but Malaysia is our home for always. People want to be part of it. If we can’t do this together, who can? It might be very hard for the next generation and it feels like this is the lowest point for Malaysia. But I really want to touch on the resilience of being Malaysian.

“We will do our part. The community is fatigued with politicians and even civil society, but we cannot give up. We can put a former PM in prison, and we can do much more to fix Malaysia.”

PKR Women’s chief: Fresh faces, new approach in coming GE

PKR Women’s chief: Fresh faces, new approach in coming GE

Rafizi dredges claims of RM854m defence contract via direct tender

Maszlee on his rapid rise in PKR and multiculturalism

PKR Youth to crowdfund ‘flood kits’ to prepare for monsoon season

Watch your constituency, Anwar tells Azmin after Gombak challenge

Only PM with majority can call for election, not 38 Umno MPs - Anwar