Azmin Ali ’s path to redemption starts with moderation in Selangor

theVibes.com:

Azmin Ali ’s path to redemption starts with moderation in Selangor

Shedding the 'traitor' label is an imperative but formidable act for the former mentri besar to accomplish.

Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (centre) needs to raise policies that benefit the people, regardless of political affiliation, to show his commitment to the greater good. The Vibes file pic.

BY The Vibes Team


KUALA LUMPUR – One of the most well-known politicians in the country, albeit for the wrong reasons, is Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali. As a founding member of the Reformasi movement, his political journey has been nothing short of tumultuous, with many highs and lows.

Since his departure from PKR and his pivotal role in the Sheraton Move that brought down the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government in 2020, he has faced the "traitor" label and despite trying hard to shed the tag, it is still virtually impossible for him to do so.

This label plays a big role in his struggling engagement efforts with the non-Malays, while with the Malays it is somewhat accepted and forgiven.

To regain credibility and trust while also appealing to non-Malay communities, Azmin must address these issues. Additionally, his unique position as a former Selangor mentri besar who worked alongside PAS assemblymen and executive councillors provides an opportunity to moderate PAS's image among non-Malays.

With the "traitor" tag firmly attached to Azmin, to make headway in Selangor he now needs to address the issues head-on.

He needs to go past the events surrounding the Sheraton Move and start engaging in transparent and honest communication with the electorate in Selangor and also nationwide, if he still harbours a bigger role at the national level.

This has become especially pressing since he won the Hulu Kelang assembly seat in the Selangor state election on August 12. The constituency is within Gombak where he was MP, mostly duing his time with PKR, from 2008 to 2022.


A herculean task

Being a core member of Perikatan Nasional (PN), he needs to explain the reasons behind his choices and emphasise his commitment to serving the people of Selangor and Hulu Kelang, irrespective of party affiliations.

He also needs to prioritise policy issues over politics. Azmin must shift the focus from political manoeuvring to policy priorities as this will demonstrate his commitment for the people.

Consistently speaking up on policies that benefit the people and the state, regardless of political affiliation, would surely demonstrate a commitment to the greater good.

Azmin can also emphasise how he had successfully managed PAS during his tenure as mentri besar while ensuring that the rights and concerns of all communities were taken care of.

He could even become the spokesman for PN’s inclusive policies and initiatives that promote interethnic harmony.

He should be building a platform to advocate for religious tolerance and inclusivity as these would appeal to the mixed racial composition in the state.

By emphasising on the importance of respecting different faiths and fostering interreligious dialogue, he can further help moderate PAS's far-right image and showcase its commitment to diversity.

He may even embrace bipartisan collaboration, given the mixed political landscape in Selangor. With PN having 22 seats in the Selangor assembly, Azmin should seize and capitalise on the opportunities available for any bipartisan collaboration on crucial issues.

By working with representatives from different parties, he can showcase his dedication to putting the state's needs ahead of party interests. This will surely endear him to voters, especially the non-Malays.


Commitment to fairness and equitability

Azmin's perceived political opportunism in 2020, has made him a polarising figure among non-Malay communities and he must now undertake specific measures such as speaking up on inclusive policy Initiatives.

He could probably start by actively pursuing policy initiatives that directly benefit non-Malay communities. This could include ease of doing business, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all Selangor residents.

To further connect with non-Malay communities, Azmin may even engage in cultural events, festivals, and community gatherings while advocating for the rights of minority communities within the state.

By championing policies that address the concerns and needs of non-Malay residents, he can demonstrate his commitment to a fair and equitable Selangor.

This is crucial as many in PN are deemed to be ignoring the non-Malay electorate, as seen during the recent Johor by-election campaigns.

PN needs to break away from this mould and Azmin may be the perfect person to lead the coalition in doing so.

If he succeeds, it's not just himself that will be rebranded but the whole of PN may be seen in a different light.

Azmin also needs to actively seek input from non-Malay leaders and constituents, and by listening to their concerns and incorporating their feedback into PN’s policies, he can change people’s perception.

To further gain the trust of non-Malay communities, Azmin should also focus on issues that promote transparency in governance. This includes open and accountable administration, and zero tolerance for corruption.

While Azmin’s political journey from PKR to Bersatu is marked by its complexity, to shed the "traitor" label and entice non-Malay communities, he must demonstrate a genuine commitment to unity, transparency, and the well-being of all Selangor residents.

By taking proactive measures, he may define his future role and impact PN’s trajectory in Selangor. – The Vibes, September 14, 2023