SHEIKH Umar Bagharib Ali, the first Malay head of DAP’s state youth wing, said his appointment is a testament that DAP is a party for all races and religion.

His ascend as the Chinese-majority party’s state youth wing chief shows that DAP is for all Malaysians regardless of creed and faith, Sheikh Umar told The Malaysian Insight.

“This proves that DAP and DAPSY are for all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.

“I rose up despite being a non-Chinese and I have an Islamic studies background. This is the moment for us to show that DAP is for all Malaysians.”

He said the goal is to garner more support and acceptance from youth of all race and religion.

“Most media highlighted that I’m the first Malay (to hold the post) but I hope DAPSY can get more support and acceptance of youngsters from all races and religion.”

When asked on whether his appointment is a game-changer in Umno and Bersatu stronghold Johor, the Paloh assemblyman said joining DAP in 2015 as a former a PAS activist was already a tipping point.

“Actually from the very beginning, when I joined DAP as a former PAS activist and my background in Islamic studies… it can be said as the tipping point,” he said, adding that this quashes popular belief that DAP is a Chinese-centric party.

According to Sheikh Umar, he also has to shoulder heavy responsibilities, as he assumed the role at a time where DAP is part of the government and no longer the opposition.

“This is a heavy task for me.”

Previously as the opposition, its role was limited to agreeing or disagreeing with the government’s decision but now on the other side of the bench, DAPSY has a bigger role to play in the state, he said.

“First, we know that it is the duty of DAPSY to groom the next generation of leaders. This is a route that will be continued.”

Sharing his aspirations, he said DAPSY Johor has a bigger role to play in Pakatan Harapan’s youth wing and he hopes he will be able to work closely with the youth wing of other Johor PH component parties.

“I hope DAPSY can stand equally with the youth wings of all PH component parties.”

He added that there are no “big brothers” within the PH coalition and the component parties operate on equal grounds.

“As far as I am concerned, there are no big brothers in PH. In the spirit of all component parties… we are not big brothers to one another.”

With PH being a consultative government, every member has a big role to play. All component parties and the rakyat are also involved in decision-making processes, he added. – July 8, 2019.