GURUN: Baddrol Bakhtiar, a former Super League footballer who has since entered politics, has high expectations of winning the state legislative assembly seat in Gurun, Kedah.
In a special video podcast, the former Kedah football squad captain asserts that running for political office is comparable to "running" in the fields if one is passionate about it.
What do you feel after being chosen to represent Perikatan Nasional in the upcoming state election?
Answer: As a football player, my responsibilities reside within my own team, but now I must assume responsibility for the people of Gurun. I decided to accept the challenge and test it out in the political arena after some consideration. People often say that we must have a plan for everything we do, so before accepting this new position, I devised some plans for what I should or should not do.
Have you ever seen yourself being involved in politics?
Answer: I did consider it because of the current political climate, in which disputes between politicians are frequent. The reason I want to enter politics is to purify it and ensure that honesty and transparency are emphasised in governing the country.
Don't you think that it is challenging for a football player to become a politician?
Answer: InshaAllah, if we are honest and sincere and have the support of the people, I believe that being a politician is comparable to being a football player. In football, we need strategies, and similarly, there are strategies in politics. There are instructors, defenders, formation, etc., so relating to it is quite appropriate.
Your football career in football is still thriving, but if you become a politician, will it hinder your football career?
Answer: I can only say that everything comes back to your rezeki. InshaAllah, He will assist us if we are sincere and honest and don't rely excessively on other people, but rather on God himself.
What is your take on pursuing a role with a lesser wage than that of a professional football player?
Answer: InshaAllah, even if our income is low, if we approach our work with dedication and perseverance, it will bring us satisfaction.
What is your strategy in winning the state election?
Answer: I will show up for the people by frequently going around town, meeting them regardless of who they are. We need to ask them how they are doing because from there, they will evaluate our leadership potential.
How do you feel the residents of Gurun feel about you competing?
Answer: Honestly, I feel like the voters in Gurun are very friendly and welcoming. They want a leader who is close to them so that they can express their issues. From here, we can observe what are their issues before further bringing it to the higher ups for it to be improvised.
What is your strength should you become the state assemblyman for Gurun?
Answer: I can't really say for sure what my strengths are but I hope how people see me as a footballer is how they will see me becoming their politician. The way I have diligently played football will be the way I ensure to take this role just the same.
What are your strategies to approach the elderly voters?
Answer: I believe that we must respect our elders. We need to hear what they have to say and their perspectives. I am the type of person who will consider everyone's opinion, regardless of age. I embrace all criticism and compliments as motivation to improve.
What are your hopes for the upcoming state election?
Answer: My aspiration is to be able to serve the people, particularly the residents of Gurun. I intend to resolve their problems, regardless of how minor they may be.