REMBAU: I am nobody’s trojan horse, says independent candidate Muhammad Syakir Fitri Sadri.
Mohammad Syakir who is in the three-cornered fight for Paroi in Negri Sembilan acknowledged the rumours that had appeared following his entry into the race.
The candidate was met after a walkabout on Monday (July 31) afternoon, near Mydin Senawang.
Muhammad Syakir was previously a special officer to former state youth and sports committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Taufek Abd Ghani, who is from Amanah.
"I joined the race to win and to create history. There is no connection to any individuals and I know there is talk that I was sent as a proxy or was intended to spoil votes.
"I am a youth, aged 25 years old. What use was Undi18 if we do not raise up the youths themselves," he said.
He added that he had been pressured to not join the election before handing over his nomination papers and was told that he would lose his deposit if he stood for the election.
"The so-called raising of the youth used by some is just rhetoric for individual benefit in order to garner votes.
"But in reality there is no such thing in terms of leadership or country building," he said.
Addressing queries on the source of his budget for his campaign, Muhammad Syakir said that he relied on the goodwill of friends and family.
"I’m not from a rich family. My operations room was just opened today and even the owner has graciously helped by withholding rent collection for the time being.
"My campaign handouts are so small that we can make four out of one A4 paper.
"You can check my records. It is personal money and as youth all we have is just enough to survive.
"People querying where the money for the deposit came from, saying that I stole money for it or whatnot; these are allegations without basis," he said.
Becoming emotional during the interview, Muhammad Syakir said that attacks on his integrity would not hamper his fighting spirit.
"Why would I risk my political future by being someone else’s proxy? I am only 25 years old and there are many more years ahead for me.
"Win or lose, what is important is the experience gained," he said.
He also said that he would not back down from his detractors.
"If they attack me I will fight back," he said.
Muhammad Syakir along with Pakatan Harapan’s Norwani Ahmat and Perikatan Nasional’s Kamarul Ridzuan Mohd Zain will be contesting one another for the N.25 Paroi seat in the upcoming state elections.
