Lokman: I will make myself accessible to people
I officially joined Umno Youth when I was 18 after following the movement for three years.
After graduating, I got involved in the political scene, including during the crisis between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998.
After I was sacked from Umno, I joined Keadilan and was appointed the party’s first Youth Chief for the Johor branch. When Keadilan had its first party election, I was the youngest person to be elected into its supreme council. I was only 28.
Q: The Sungai Kandis constituents have raised several major issues including the lack of dumping sites and recurring water shortage. How do you plan to resolve these issues?
A: Although we (BN) are no longer the ruling government in Selangor, I will continue to voice about issues affecting the people here.
There is a need for the people in Sungai Kandis to be represented by a strong voice to ensure their welfare is taken care of. I have the experience and will be an effective assemblyman for the constituents.
When the Election Commission (EC) asked me to remove my campaign posters recently, I did not bow down to pressure. I persisted until EC relented.
If you fight hard with good arguments and persistence, your voice will be heard. I believe I can address the issue of illegal dumping in Teluk Menegon. We will exhaust all avenues, including by way of force via peaceful demonstrations, to resolve this problem.
Q: What are your development plans for Sungai Kandis? A: I do have plans, but my role as the opposition limits my resources.
Having said that, I have good ties with (Selangor Menteri Besar) Amir (Amirudin Shari), whom I had worked with after my release from ISA in 2013.
I am also close to (Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin (Ali). Maybe I can persuade them to help me improve the wellbeing of the people here.
I believe that even Zawawi (PKR’s candidate) cannot make much noise on local issues as he would actually be admitting that the late Suhaimi Mat Shafiei failed to do his job.
The late Suhaimi was my close friend. He would bring my family to visit me when I was detained in Kamunting, Perak.
I don’t plan to touch on local issues yet because I believe I should respect him.
Q: What are the issues that you will immediately raise in the state assembly if you win the by-election?
A: I will make myself accessible to the people of Sungai Kandis. They can reach me any time for help. I will do my best for them.
What I am fighting for is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, such as the position of Islam as our federal religion, Malay rights, Bahasa Melayu as our national language and the position of our rulers and king.
As the president of Pemantau Malaysia Baru, we will continue to represent the people and be the checks and balances to the new government.
Q: Who is your inspiration? A: I look up to a few people and one of them is (former prime minister) Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He is a smart and experienced leader, with vast knowledge in politics and economy. He is one of the best leaders Malaysia has ever had.