ONE-TIME student activist and colourful personality, Hishamuddin Rais has become a star in his own right at Pakatan Harapan ceramah across the nation.

These days, Hishamuddin, who fled the country back in the 1970s after his fellow student activists, such as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, were detained under the Internal Security Act, shares the stage with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, where he pitches for electoral reform group Bersih 2.0.

From north to south, Hishammuddin starts every ceramah speech in his familiar hat and with the line “Pakatan Harapan has already won, except if it is cheated”.

Hishamuddin’s message is simple: Come out and vote or brace for the doom that Najib is bringing to the country.

“If many people come out to vote, cheating will not be effective. It is also important to inform new voters to check their registration.

“It is important to tell people that in the 13th general election, PH won the popular vote by 52%,” he said.

The film director said cheating and sabotage had started even before a ballot was cast.

“Dr Mahathir’s aeroplane tyre, PKR’s Chua Tian Chang not being able to contest are good examples.

“PH candidates not being able to stand because of bankruptcy, candidates being blocked from filling up forms are all evident signs that PH will win unless it is cheated.”

In the run-up to polling day on May 9, Hishamuddin will be helping electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 get its message of reform across to the people in Terengganu, Pahang and Malacca. – April 30, 2018.