FROM lawyer to human rights activist to political secretary to DAP’s Lim Kit Siang, Syahredzan Johan has slowly – and almost inevitable – made his way into politics.

And after four years of volunteer work as a legal adviser and campaigner, the 39-year-old lawyer is now tipped to replace Dr Ong Kian Ming as the Bangi candidate after the former deputy minister said he will not be standing in the general election.

To add to it, Ong has also appointed Syahredzan as his representative in the P102 seat on June 22, prompting suggestions that the lawyer is expected to replace the academic in Bangi.

Activist to politician

Looking back, Syahredzan said the move into parliamentary politics seemed unavoidable.

Growing up in a comfortable middle-class home in Petaling Jaya, he was moved by the events of 1998 that culminated in the sacking and jailing of a deputy prime minister.

“I was only in Form 3 then. But I remember feeling angry, frustrated and upset over the injustices inflicted upon the second-most powerful man in the country,” he said in an interview at a cafe in Bangi.

“That, I believe, set me on a course to study law and then become active in the Malaysian Bar,” said the eldest of five siblings.

In 1998, then deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was arrested and beaten up while in custody before he was sentenced to jail for abuse of power and sodomy. Anwar, who maintained his innocence, was released in 2004 after the Federal Court overturned his conviction.

Syahredzan said his interest in politics deepened as he studied law in the United Kingdom.

“In law, we study the law, the role of the government and naturally, policies. And as lawyers, we have a duty to speak up against injustice.”

Upon returning, Syahredzan joined the Bar and became more active in the Bar Council after the 2008 elections.

The Lasallian headed the young lawyers and constitutional law committees from 2011-2016.

He was involved in the two-year educational campaign, MyConstitution led by human rights lawyer Edmond Bon.

The lawyers toured the country holding workshops on the Federal Constitution, a subject rarely taught in schools.

“We wanted to simplify the Federal Constitution for people, to let them know about their basic rights,” said Syahredzan.

But while the campaign had some success, Syahredzan felt it was not enough.

“There was a nagging feeling that the Bar’s reach was limited and to affect widespread change, more must be done at the law-making level.

“We still have many laws, such as for sedition, communications and multimedia, and detention, that are unjust.”

He added there is also a disconnect between the government and voters.

“Take, for instance, the recent complaints about the frequency of public transport and the failing amenities at the stations. Instead of looking (to fix) these things, the government is giving free rides for a month.

“What will happen when these rides end? Will we have to go back to elevators that don’t work and packed trains because the number of rides have not increased?”

From PJ to Bangi

As a Petaling Jaya resident, Syahredzan said Bangi is not so different

“The makeup is similar as it is a multiracial constituency with around 52% Malay voters. And there is a diverse range of economic classes.”

Syahredzan said the average Bangi voter’s concerns are similar to those of other urban voters.

“Like many people, their primary concerns are about low wages, employment, public transport and inflation.”

Syahredzan said he believes he is a good fit for Bangi.

“As a lawyer, I have to represent people from a diverse range of backgrounds. And having done work with migrants and the underprivileged, I have learnt to understand their problems.”

But while Syahredzan was hopeful of standing in Bangi, he did not want to jump the gun.

“It’s not final yet as the DAP leadership will have to give the green light,” said the lawyer.

In any case, Syahredzan said he will continue to work for the party and Pakatan Harapan even if he is not fielded.

Since his appointment as Ong’s representative, Syahredzan has busied himself in the constituency.

While Bangi is not the biggest constituency in the country, it is expected to have highest number of voters.

After the inclusion of more than 100,000 new voters from the Undi18 exercise, Bangi now has more than 280,000 voters. The figure is expected to touch 300,000 by the next election. – July 6, 2022.