From the streets to Putrajaya: Adam says he hasn't changed

Summary

• Adam recognises that his current public persona contrasts with his former outspoken activist image.

• Outgoing PKR Youth chief says being in a higher position and closer to power doesn’t mean the voice is automatically louder.

INTERVIEW | Once a student activist known for his role in street rallies, Adam Adli Abdul Halim now finds himself part of the federal administration.

But he insists his principles remain unchanged, and that he has never abandoned the causes he once championed.

The deputy youth and sports minister acknowledged that being in government requires a different approach to pursuing reform agendas.

Adam admitted he is now less visible, particularly in mainstream and social media, and recognised that his current public persona contrasts with his former outspoken activist image.

“I don’t put myself out there much. I tend not to respond unless I’m asked, unless the matter is particularly important.

“But I’ve thought seriously about this from a strategic standpoint. Our approach to mass media must be different.

“I’m not just referring to social media - I mean our overall communication strategy,” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini in Petaling Jaya on Monday.

Meteoric rise

Adam, who turns 36 in July, will be stepping down as PKR Youth chief due to the age limit and is now seeking election to the party’s central leadership council.

It has been a meteoric rise for Adam, who joined PKR in September 2021 and was elected as PKR Youth chief the following year.

In the 15th general election, he was elected as Hang Tuah Jaya MP, and subsequently appointed as deputy youth and sports minister in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government.

However, in the recently concluded divisional party polls, he failed to secure the deputy chief post for the Hang Tuah Jaya division.

Different approach

Now part of the governing system, Adam said addressing the very issues he once fought for requires new methods and perspectives.

“As student activists, we pushed hard for issues like free education and reforms to the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA). But once you’re in Putrajaya, the process is very different. It’s no longer just about voicing demands.

“Being in a higher position and closer to power doesn’t mean your voice is automatically louder. Instead, you enter a completely different cycle - one that requires you to be part of the policymaking process.

“Every policy introduced or implemented by the government - any government - comes with their own mechanisms and justifications. While we may have our perspectives, the system has its own. It’s a tough and very different position to be in.”

Reflecting on his experience, Adam recalled the government’s discussion on UUCA reforms in early 2023, when he took the initiative to meet then higher education minister Khaled Nordin.

“My first move was to meet the minister directly and express my views and objections. Of course, it wasn’t like the old days when I had hundreds of friends standing behind me at demonstrations.

“But as I said, that was my first lesson. It taught me not to assume that just because I now hold a position close to power, I would automatically be more effective.

“We’re now expected to negotiate differently, understand different perspectives, and be accepted in new ways. There is space for dialogue, and some views are considered - but there are also compromises to be made and boundaries to observe.”

Facing frustration from supporters

Adam admitted that his efforts so far have not been enough and that he understands the frustration of his supporters.

“I’m sure they’re not satisfied. Even I feel I haven’t done enough, let alone them. But the most important thing is that this hasn’t changed who I am.

“Perhaps it’s only changed the way we approach things. Ideals and principles remain the same.”

Asked about his plans if elected to the council, Adam said PKR needs to reassess its communication strategy.

“We used to engage with different segments of society and gained their trust. But as times changed and we became more focused on social media, we’ve lost touch with some of the communities we used to represent.

“I’m not speaking just for myself, but about the party as a whole. Sometimes we become too focused on putting forward a spokesperson - assuming everyone wants to be one because it means being on camera.

“But if that visibility doesn’t actually help the party, then no matter how popular or well-known someone is, it might be better not to take centre stage,” he said, adding that being a party spokesperson means having to answer tough questions and often face attacks.

He stressed the importance of understanding public sentiment, conducting proper research, and using varied approaches.

“Maybe we need to refresh some of our narratives this year. We can’t simply act like public speakers commenting on every issue.

“I believe we need to be precise, clear, and highly strategic,” Adam said.

The PKR Youth and Women’s congresses will open this evening. Voting for the central leadership council and party wings will take place tomorrow, alongside the official launch of the PKR National Congress.

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