SIMILAR principles and values, as well as friendships that span years are the reasons Adam Adli Abdul Halim decided to join PKR.

The prominent activist told The Malaysian Insight that while he is friendly with other parties such as Amanah and DAP, PKR remains closest to his heart.

“PKR’s approach in politics, and its principles and history greatly appeal to who I am and what I stand for,” he said, adding that during his student activism days, PKR had seemed like the most attractive political party to him.

As a student activist, Adam Adli was frequently arrested and investigated by authorities over his vocal views on academic freedom.

When asked whether he did not join youth-based Muda because the party is still unregistered, the 32-year-old answered in the negative.

“I have been a part of several illegal civil society organisations, so I do not have a problem with Muda being unregistered. I am all too familiar with unregistered organisations.”

Adam Adli said he did not consider Muda because he has closer relations with PKR, adding that if all young people joined Muda, there will be none left to foster diversity in the youth politics.

“I suppose, the present generation, comrades or youth in politics today, all play their respective roles to ensure that in the future, we can see a healthier political landscape.

“This landscape can bring progressive politics into play, which can encourage young and new politics, so it needs to exist in all places not just in one place; that is the argument I always uphold.

“So, the question should not be about which political party is better in this regard; it is not fair. In fact, I do not feel comfortable discussing the structure of other political parties.”

On the question of contesting as a policymaker, Adam Adli said it is not part of his plans, adding that he prefers to do groundwork such as educating the public about politics.

“When I talk about this topic with my friends, of course, there is no denying that some do have plans to become a policymaker, but for me, those are issues with which I do not concern myself, as I prefer to do groundwork.”

He said he saw potential when PKR had over 20,000 new member registrations this year, adding that this opens up room to mobilise support for newer and younger politics.

“It is also important that we have idealistic and determined supporters in a political party, where not all of them are interested in becoming policymakers.”

Political parties serve as a solid platform to extend support outside of urban communities and into small towns and villages, he added, whereas civil society organisations are usually limited to only urban support. – October 14, 2021.