PKR man goes from student activist to political candidate

Hilman (in white) at the Taman Sri Gombak pasar malam on April 30.

DESPITE being a political newbie, Muhammad Hilman Idham’s foray into politics did not come as a surprise.

The PKR candidate for the Gombak Setia state seat was president of Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen (KAMI) while he was an undergraduate at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and participated in forums and public discussions on political and community issues.

Leading a group called UKM4, Hilman was one of four students who were involved in a landmark legal case challenging the Universities and University Colleges Act. 

The case pushed the Malaysian Government to amend Section 15(5)(a) of the Act to return political freedom to undergraduates.

A political science degree holder, Hilman, 29, has been campaigning tirelessly since nomination day on April 28. 

"I'm grateful for the strong support that I have received from the constituents, my team, and most of all, my family.

"Frankly, it has been a gruelling experience, both physically and mentally. 

"But the support from the local community, and the Selangor people’s desire for change has really given me strength to push forward in this period of campaigning,” he said. 

According to the father of three, first-time candidates were often seen as underdogs but he was not daunted.

“My experience serving the Mentri Besar in the state government has given me the experience and understanding that's required to fulfill the needs and expectations of the voters in Selangor,” said Hilman, who is special officer to caretaker Selangor MB Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, a two-term Gombak MP. 

“My team and I are proud to bring fresh ideas to Gombak Setia. 

"We are confident of meeting the needs and expectations of the people in the constituency,” said Hilman, who hails from Klang. 

He said he had big plans for Gombak Setia if elected.

“One of the most important issues concerning people of northern and southern Gombak is the planned ECRL (East Coast Rail Line) development. 

"The Selangor state government has consistently maintained that the ECRL is neither a beneficial nor a quality project for the people of Selangor. Furthermore, the ECRL development will also severely impact the state’s forest,” said Hilman.

“Secondly, I will look into the issue of illegal use of roads by lorries which endangers the local residents of Sri Gombak by coordinating with various government agencies to tackle these syndicates.

“Thirdly, the issue of youth empowerment is very close to me, and if elected, I will work with young members of my constituency to introduce leadership programmes focusing on community development. 

"It's up to us to build the community we want, and I look forward to working with the local residents to accomplish this,” he said.