Saiful Bukhari: I’m contesting as a symbol of protest

Saiful Bukhari Azlan raised eyebrows when he turned up on Saturday to file his nomination papers and lock horns with former mentor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It was only 10 years ago that Saiful first made headlines when he accused Anwar of sodomising him. Now, he has jumped into another tight affair, which may make or prematurely break his political career. He spoke to Syed Umar Ariff and Rizanizam Abdul Hamid on why Anwar could be a liability to the country.

Q: Is your intention to contest in the by-election centred on Anwar?

A: On principle, it is unacceptable to hold a by-election without a valid reason. There was no death or such issue.

We just completed the 14th General Election. This one is being held to further one person’s personal agenda.

Not only that, but this person is (indirectly) using RM3.6 million of taxpayers’ money as allocated by the Election Commission (EC) for the election, for his political ambitions.

Where is the morality, or dignity, that is promoted by his party, against wastage and abuse? This is wrong and we should not let it become a trend. It happened in Permatang Pauh, Kajang and, now, Port Dickson. Port Dickson has nothing to do with Anwar.

I decided to contest on the day the news broke that the seat was being vacated. I talked about it with friends and family. Even some PKR members do not agree with the by-election. I stand here as a symbol of protest. There is a trust deficit among the political parties now.

I hope to get 30 per cent. I am going up against six candidates. I am trying my best not to lose my deposit. It is not a high target — only 30 per cent.

Q: How will you counter Anwar’s narrative, in which he promotes himself as a prime minister-in-waiting?

A: The people gave their mandate to the new government five months ago. I respect the people’s wish and the democratic process.

Through this mandate, they have chosen their prime minister. There is no necessity for a new prime minister to be appointed anytime soon, because it will only lead to instability.

He (Anwar) is a liability. It is clear that he is using the people to further his political ambitions. The Port Dickson by-election is a platform for him to be the prime minister, and not for the people of Port Dickson.

You can always pick Pandan or Permatang Pauh as your launch pad. Why do you have to victimise the people in Port Dickson?

Do you not sympathise with the people, including the senior citizens, who will have to queue up again for hours (to cast their ballots)?

If you are concerned about people and their money, you should not have done this.

Q: What do you think is needed in Port Dickson? Is it, among others, a new hotel, as said by one of your competitors?

A: Firstly, the people of Port Dickson need a member of parliament who is genuine and committed to fulfilling the interests of locals.

The people there are frustrated with the situation. They just elected a member of parliament five months ago, and he stepped down.

As a candidate, I have assured the people that I will not leave them. Malaysians vote every five years. But for Port Dickson, once every five months (it would seem). That is quite sad.

Q: Do you have any regrets working as Anwar’s personal assistant?

A: No. To me, in life, as a Muslim, such things are fated. There is a silver lining in everything. I do not regret anything that happened back then.

I cannot deny that I had indirectly learnt about politics from Anwar. He should be proud that I am at this stage and going up against him. What I have learnt was taught by him and inspired by him.

I do not know how to go against my teacher who is greater than I am, but this is the beginning of my political career.

Q: Who do you think is the strongest contender in this byelection?

A: For me, it is Tan Sri Isa Samad. He is quite a threat. Why? If Permatang Pauh is Anwar, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is Pekan, then Isa is Port Dickson. This is Isa’s (to win).