KUALA KEDAH: Former Kedah football squad captain Baddrol Bakhtiar is determined to prove all his doubters wrong and that he has made the right decision by jumping into politics.
The Perikatan Nasional candidate for Gurun seat in the upcoming state election said the criticisms would only serve as motivation for him.
"I consider this to serve as motivation to fight for the people of Kedah, to fight for the youth, and for all the Chinese and Indian communities in Kedah," he told reporters when met during his campaign trail here today.
Baddrol believed that his experience in overcoming challenges as a professional footballer will help him in the campaign.
"Previously, playing football was quite challenging. That's how I view politics. I will lead the same way I led my teammates on the pitch," he added.
Baddrol said caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been guiding him to prepare for the state election.
"I've been learning more about politics since I moved to Sabah and Sanusi has been an inspirational figure to me. He has taught me a lot about politics.
"He told me, politics is not like football. In football, for 90 minutes, you'll be tired, but in politics, it's 24 hours every day," he said.
Baddrol will be facing a straight fight with Pakatan Harapan candidate Mohammed Firdaus Johari.
The seat was previously won by Firdaus' father Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who vacated the seat to assume the post of Dewan Rakyat speaker.
Meanwhile, Firdaus is banking on his extensive experience serving the people in Gurun.
"I have been working behind the scenes here for about eight years, supporting the previous Gurun assemblyman and other leaders in Kedah. I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity and responsibility entrusted to me.
"Insya-Allah, we have already begun our campaign preparations since the 14th General Election. Now is the time for me to serve the people of Gurun," he added.
Firdaus said he was not daunted by Baddrol's popularity among the younger generation, which he had garnered during his football career.
"I am excited and looking forward to this contest because it is an opportunity for both candidates to demonstrate the political maturity of the young bloods.
"If we are able to sit together and discuss issues faced by the people, it would bring a lot of benefits to the people of Gurun," he added.
Firdaus highlighted that children's access to education was one of five major issues he intended to address in the state legislative assembly if he got elected.
He said the other four issues included resolving the land title issues, upgrading infrastructure, boosting youth economy and addressing other educational matters.