DR Nurul Ashikin Mabahwi had two offers to work as a researcher in Japan, but a passion for politics drove her back to Malaysia.

The Pejuanita Muda chief holds a doctorate in Regional Environment Systems from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan. Pejuanita Muda is the women’s youth wing of Pejuang, led by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I was supposed to work. It was a done deal with my sensei (teacher) that I will join as a researcher at the lab after my PhD,” she said.

“Pejuang was set up at the same time and I got an offer.

“But eventually I chose to enter Pejuang so I had to decline the offer and returned to Malaysia.”

The 32-year-old Kuala Lumpur native said she was given a second offer to join as a researcher.

“With a heavy heart I had to decline once again because Pejuang’s registration was just approved and the division was newly set up and I could not leave politics and return to Japan,” she said.

Nurul Ashikin, who is married to a permanent resident of Japan, has a six-year-old daughter.

She said the state of the nation prompted her to give up a potential high-flying career in Japan to return home.

“The country was in a bad shape,” she said.

“I felt that Malaysia needed a leader who is not only a politician.

“I feel there is a dearth of politicians who specialise in certain areas and when they come to power they have to rely on advisers without being able to weigh the pros and cons,” she said.

Nurul Ashikin said she felt that Pejuang is the best platform to contribute to the nation.

Well versed in disaster risk management, she said politics will also give her an opportunity to make a change through her expertise.

The “Sheraton move”, which led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government, also sparked her anger and drove her back to the country to contribute.

On how Pejuanita Muda would take on more seasoned or well-known women politicians, Nurul Ashikin said the party will only put forth leaders who are able to govern.

She added that candidates will have to go on a series of interviews before making the cut. – January 13, 2022.