Kajang by-election: Anwar’s former aide to run against him

Yuktes Vijay.

PETALING JAYA: Yuktes Vijay, a former aide in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's legal team, has decided to run against the Opposition Leader for the Kajang state seat in the upcoming by-election.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to run against him. Even if he was not a former idol of mine, I would do it - this is all stupid politicking,” said the 25-year-old, who will run as an independent candidate.

Once an ardent admirer of the Permatang Pauh MP, the Take The Lead NGO leader has since emerged as one of his most vocal critics.

The Penang-born’s manifesto is simple: “I’m going to make sure Pakatan Rakyat fulfill every single point in their manifesto from GE12 in 2008 and GE13 last year.”

Though Yuktes does not know who his proposer and seconder will be yet, he believes “two good souls in Kajang” will step up.

He feels sorry for residents in the constituency, as they are “sacrificial lambs” in the three-way tussle between Anwar, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, and PKR vice-president Azmin Ali.

“It’s ridiculous that a party’s power struggle has resulted in a by-election. It’s a waste of public funds,” he said.

Yuktes also hopes his actions will show politicians not to take the people who vote them into power for granted.

Asked whether he stood any real chance at winning the by-election, his answer was an empathetic “of course not!”

During the campaigning period, Yuktes said he plans to go to the ground with about 15 to 20 supporters, judging from the response on Facebook, to eat satay and perform services for the people.

“Money will flow everywhere during the by-election. Hopefully, whether it’s blocked drains or traffic problems, I can use it to help Kajang residents during that period,” he said.