RARA’S JOURNEY — FROM BERSIH RALLY TO DAP ELECTED REP
Single-minded in her pursuit, Young Shefura Othman represents a new breed of young women in Malaysian politics, writes TEH ATHIRA YUSOF
YOUNG Shefura Othman came for the interview in a red kebaya and jeans. With her tudung and trademark bold red lipstick, the attractive woman could easily be mistaken for an artiste or a model.
The budding politician from DAP, affectionately known as Rara, has garnered attention since winning the Ketari state seat in the 14th General Election, brushing aside seasoned candidates Datuk Lau Hoi Keong from Barisan Nasional and Roslan Md Esa from Pas.
Syefura, 28, admitted that she was still over the moon by her victory and her newly minted role as a state assemblyman.
“The congratulatory messages kept coming non-stop. Young women, especially, came up to me and told me that they were inspired by my determination and fighting spirit.
“For a while, I really felt like a celebrity. There were requests for a group picture or selfie, and media interviews. This is all new to me, but I am not complaining.”
Born in Lumut, Perak, Rara spent most of her childhood in Penang.
She grew up in several states before completing her secondary education at SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh. The only daughter in the family, she furthered her studies at Windfield International College for a diploma in nursing.
Upon graduation, she joined her brother’s acupuncture and alternative healing business in Puncak Alam.
“When I was a child, I had wanted to become a police officer, but my interest in nursing grew over time instead.”
“I am passionate about taking care of people’s welfare, and a nursing job fits well with that."
MOVE TO POLITICS
In 2014, Rara joined the Democratic Action Party (DAP) on a friend’s recommendation.
“After joining the Bersih rally that year, I became interested in politics.”
Her decision to join DAP was met with much criticism, especially from those who accused her of being “anti-Malay”.
A tudung-clad Malay woman joining a Chinese-dominant party did not go well with many.
“My parents were supportive of my decision. But my brother did not agree initially. Some of my uncles and aunties also required some convincing. But everything is well now.
WHY DAP?
“One of my aims is to attract more Malays to join the party, so we can shed the stigma that DAP is a party only for the Chinese.
“Although a newbie in the party, I am not sidelined. Young members are given the opportunity to voice out their opinion. There is no formality barrier between the top leaders and the young guns.”
According to Rara, her stint as a private nurse had helped prepare her to serve people as a politician.
Apart from that, she had also gained valuable experience as a Kajang municipal councillor from 2016 until April.
She said it had been smooth sailing so far.
She is well-received by the people in her constituency, and that has helped a lot in boosting her confidence.
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Rara is all for young women joining politics.
She hopes more will follow in her footsteps to provide a stronger voice for championing the rights of women in the country.
“There are many issues involving women in the country that need to be addressed. And no other people understand the problems better than women themselves. Involvement in politics provides a good platform to serve fellow women.”
Rara said GE14 had paved the way for more women to get involved in politics. A total of 27 DAP women are holding positions at parliamentary and state levels, she added.
Having made Bentong her home, Rara is fast settling down as a state assemblyman who represents the quaint town.
“Bentong is a great place to live, with scenic places of interest, abundance of fruits and good food. It’s also a good place for tourism. We just need to work harder to attract more local and international tourists.”
And with husband Muhammad Masyhur Abdullah, whom she wed in 2016 and is always on her side and offering her moral support, Rara can focus on her duties to serve her constituency and provide a more effective voice for women.