KUALA LUMPUR: Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Fahmi Fadzil admitted that his ‘showbiz days’ were a ‘time of personal development’ and that he would always cherish them.
Nevertheless, the 37-year-old Wakil Rakyat who was born in Petaling Jaya said public service was “in his genes” and he wanted to follow in his parents’ footsteps.
The son of retired civil servants Datuk Fadzil Yunus and Datin Fauziah Ramly said being an MP required him to help his constituents first, but the entertainment industry would be one of his main priorities, being an actor with more than a decade’s experience.
“As a pre-teen, I participated in children’s theatre, and this passion continued when I went to university in the United States,” said Fahmi who graduated as a chemical engineer from Purdue University, Indiana.
“I would have loved to rise higher in acting, but I wanted to serve the nation like my parents and grandparents.”
Fahmi, who spoke at a meet-and-greet session with artistes at Dapoq Che Jun Restaurant in the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station recently, said he was indebted to fellow actors who gave him support during his recent election campaign.
The artistes who attended the session included Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia president Datuk Freddie Fernandez, Datuk Farid Kamil, Megat Shahrizal, Tam Suhaimi, Fauziah Nawi, Fatimah, Sharifah Amani and Iedil Putra Alaudin.
“Being an actor had ‘matured’ me since I got to play diverse characters. I rubbed shoulders with talented Malaysians and learnt lessons from veterans such as Datuk Faridah Merican, Fauziah Nawi and Fatimah Abu Bakar,” said Fahmi.
Fahmi, who was Most Promising Artiste at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2007, found fame in 2001 when he directed “Lebih Kecoh” at The Actors Studio.
He also joined arts company Five Arts Centre, hosted online talk show “The Fairly Current Show” and acted in the film “Gol Dan Gincu” in 2006.
Fahmi paid tribute to screen legend Tan Sri Jins Shamsuddin for helping raise issues affecting the industry during his days as a Senator.
“He played his part well, and while I’m not officially a representative of the industry, my background gives me a chance to help it.”
Fahmi said he would work closely with the new minister in charge of the performing arts, by suggesting improvements to the management of arts funds.
He would support a revival of the National Arts Congress which took place in the 1970s, because it would be a “useful avenue for artistes to give input to improve the industry”.
“The industry does not include only actors, singers, directors and producers. All persons involved deserve to be heard, it is an eco-system,” said Fahmy who still has a year-long theatre residency with a company in Japan.
When asked if he would appear in films and plays when he was free, Fahmi said he would “seriously consider it”.
“I don’t give up things I love. But for now, my priority is being a good public servant like my loved ones.”
Fahmi became a member of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in 2010 and was appointed communications director five years ago.
He was previously the political secretary of former Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar.