Asyraf S Qualification Islamic Credentials Strike A Chord In Gerik

---

 


On the national stage, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has a reputation for being a firebrand and staunch critic of Pakatan Harapan.
But in the interiors of Perak, where he is contesting the Gerik parliamentary seat, the Umno Youth chief has adopted a more personable persona to woo voters. His religious background is also winning hearts.
His campaign schedule is replete with low-profile events such as ziarah kasih (house visits) and ramah mesra (get-togethers).
On social media, Asyraf steers clear of commenting on the opposition.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, the 46-year-old politician said Gerik - the second northernmost town in Perak - is relatively insulated from the boisterous politics in the cities.
"Harapan is good at talking about issues that anger the people or cast a negative impression on other parties. However, these issues are not discussed in the coffee shops in Gerik, where the focus is more on local issues,” he added.
BN’s Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki (right) on the campaign trailOn Tuesday, Malaysiakini followed Asyraf and his entourage when he visited several houses in Felda Bersia, a voting district which is a BN stronghold.
He was accompanied by the incumbent Temengor assemblyperson Salbiah Mohamed and a group of Wanita Umno members.
The ‘outsider’ makes inroads
Ditching his SUV for a motorcycle - the main mode of transport in these parts - Asyraf received a warm welcome from the Felda settlers and villagers.
Asyraf with Wanita Umno members riding to meet votersWhenever he or Salbiah asked the villagers to support BN, their response was always the same - “mesti sokong” (we will support).
Asyraf said that meeting people face-to-face is the best method to keep in touch with the locals and issues.
"We also did not organise any mega ceramah that invited big guns to talk about political issues. Our focus is to reach out to as many voters as possible,” he told Malaysiakini.
Even if there are events on the schedule, he added, it would be the Majlis Selawat (religious salutations ceremony) or Maulidur Rasul programme that is religious in nature.
Given the strong religious link, Asyraf, who holds a doctorate in Islamic banking and finance, described Gerik as “Serambi Mekah” (veranda of Mecca).
However, he noted that the situation is different from the neighbouring PAS-controlled state of Kelantan, where he hails from.
In Kelantan, which PAS also refers to as “Serambi Mekah”, Asyraf said politics can divide families and friends but this was not the case in Gerik.
Before being “parachuted” into Perak for the polls, the Umno Youth chief had contested in Kelantan in the 2008 and 2018 general elections but failed to win.
Shortly after his candidacy for Gerik was confirmed on Nov 1, several video clips circulated on social media showing some local BN members disagreeing with the leadership’s decision to field an “outsider”.
Quizzed on this, Asyraf said the issue has been settled and the campaign is proceeding without hindrance.
He added that the frustration was understandable because “outsiders” have been fielded in Gerik before.
"In Gerik, the people had an outsider as their representative before, such as Gerakan's Tan Lian Hoe (in 2008). They felt worried because outsiders do not know what is best for Gerik and its people.
"Therefore, the division made the same resolution during their annual meetings to demand for a local to represent them,” he added.
Asyraf vowed to visit Gerik once a week to meet the constituents if he is elected.
Felda settlers seem keen on Asyraf
Meanwhile, Salbiah said she and incumbent Pengkalan Hulu assemblyperson Aznel Ibrahim were tasked to introduce Asyraf to the locals.
“Our Gerik BN machinery is very loyal to the party. Right after the candidate announcement, everyone is already working together to secure a victory,” she added.
Approached by Malaysiakini, the Felda settlers felt that Asyraf is the right choice.
Asyraf with Gerik residents"He is highly educated, not an ordinary politician. People here expect that he will be appointed a minister if BN wins. He will surely win,” said Mohd Subki Othman, 68.
On the other hand, a local only known as Pak Rashid, 66, praised Asyraf, who served as a deputy minister in charge of religious affairs from 2015-2018, for his Islamic credentials.
"His academic level is recognised at an international level and he is a friendly politician who is easy to approach. We will certainly support him," he said.
Ex-PAS man and DAP grassroots
Harapan’s Gerik candidate Ahmad Tarmizi Mohd Jam, who will be facing Asyraf in the polls, is also an outsider but the Parit native does not believe this would be a disadvantage because the people’s mindset has changed.
Pakatan Harapan’s Gerik candidate Ahmad Tarmizi Mohd Jam"BN has been here for over 60 years but nothing much has changed. The place is still underdeveloped. I believe the people can see that Harapan is better,” he said.
Tarmizi’s small campaign team is backed by the local DAP grassroots, composed mainly of middle-aged Chinese Malaysians.
During a walkabout at Kuala Rui, a small Chinese village in Gerik, the group was welcomed with handshakes and pledges of support.
However, the mood was different when Tarmizi met Malay vendors at the Pasar Tani market, where he was given the cold shoulder and some even refused to respond to his “salam” (greeting).
Gerik is the largest parliamentary seat in Perak which is located at the border of South Thailand and about 130km north of Ipoh town.
This is a rural constituency with 47,565 voters which comprises 72 percent Malays, 13.6 percent Chinese, 4.8 percent Indians, and 9.6 percent other races.
Asyraf and Tarmizi will also be facing competition from Perikatan Nasional’s Fathul Uzir Ayob for the seat. - Mkini

---