KUALA LUMPUR: Firebrand lawyer and human rights activist Siti Zabedah Kasim is making her election debut in Batu.
Widely known for her controversial remarks, she is determined to separate state and religion and champion local issues in Batu with her pro bono legal team.
Q: How well do you understand the needs of Batu voters?
A: I've met and assisted many Batu residents before. Like most urban residents, their grouses revolve around dissatisfaction with their condominium management and waste disposal problems, among others.
As a lawyer, I can advise the locals on their rights and the legal actions that they can pursue. I have a team of lawyers with me who are willing to do public interest litigations pro-bono. In fact, we have done this before for the Orang Asli community.
Q: If the problems in Batu are similar to other urban area woes, why did you decide to contest here?
A: I am a familiar face in Batu. For the last 10 years, I have interacted with the local community in Batu and assisted them as well. Some of my favourite eateries are in the Batu 5 area. In fact, I have been running my one-stop service centre here, in Jalan Ipoh, for Batu residents since May this year. This has allowed me to resonate with the people of Batu and feel their pulse.
Q: People in Batu have thrown their support behind PKR since 2008. And, with such a crowded race in Batu for GE15, what makes you unique for the voters here?
A: I have a track record of being vocal about matters that concern the public. Nothing is sensitive to me, including issues related to race and religion. In fact, I am contesting on an independent ticket so that I am not obliged to take instructions from the party leadership or party whips.
Q: In your election manifesto, you have indicated that religion should be separated from the government. What exactly does this entail?
A: Politicians are exploiting religion as a political tool. They portray themselves as the vanguards of Islam to garner Malay votes and cling on to power. They give donations to Islamic non-governmental organisations, tahfiz institutions and religious authorities, but corruption runs rampant behind the scenes. That is why I insist that religion should be separated from the government. This will stop politicians from manipulating religion for their personal gain.
In my view, the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) should be shut down and the Conference of Rulers should be allowed to manage Islamic affairs. The Federal Constitution clearly says that Islamic affairs fall under the purview of the Malay rulers. I think our sultans can manage Islamic affairs with less than half of the allocation that Jakim gets now.
Q: Do you think Malay voters will accept your drastic proposals to close down Jakim?
A: Communication is key. Tell them that we are returning the power to manage Islamic affairs to the sultans for the betterment of the religion. Do you think Malays will go against their sultans? Of course not.
Malays are wise enough to accept this if we explain this to them properly.