What makes Khalid tick?

Born eight years apart, the two brothers could not be more different in their political choices.

The better known Shahrir Abdul Samad (right in photo) went into Umno, but younger brother Khalid eschewed the predictable to pursue his aspirations through PAS.

Asked to explain why, despite hailing from the Umno bastion of Johor, Khalid attributed it to his stint in university at a time of Islamic revival. Shahrir’s exposure had been to the nationalist movement and developments following the May 13, 1969 racial riots.

“I was trained during the rise of the Islamic movement, when Malay and non-Malay students would meet to argue our case and take the bull by its horns,” said Khalid in a recent interview.

What they do have in common is that they remain close as siblings, and are prepared to publicly reprove members of their respective parties for crossing the line of reason when this affects the public interest. For this, they have earned respect from both sides of the political divide.

“Our exposure and outspokenness are due to our involvement in society. Both Shahrir and I believe there should not be a complete monopoly of power,” he said.

Khalid, 52, is a committee member of the PAS political bureau. In the last general election, he won the Shah Alam parliamentary seat, but the real baptism of fire has come in reshaping Selangor PAS’ contributions to the state Pakatan Rakyat government.

In the conclusion to a two-part interview, he elaborates on his brand of politics, reacts to the recent cowhead protest and shares his dream for Pakatan.

Malaysiakini: When you joined PAS, were your parents receptive to this?

Khalid Samad: Before I joined, my parents asked me to meet several Ustaz (religious scholars)...Some agreed and others disagreed. They agreed that the Islamic agenda is right, but they did not agree that it can be done.

However, I am stuck with what I believe in and although my family is pro-Umno, they believe what I am saying is right.

Were there any arguments before you joined?

There was no quarrel with Shahrir. I have an elder sister who was involved in leftist politics - i.e with PSRM (Parti Sosialis Rakyat Malaysia). She (was once) detained under the ISA.

I was brought up under a different agenda...but (my parents) felt that (since I was) working for Petronas (as an engineer), I would change and become realistic.

What did PAS feel about you - an English-educated person - joining the party?

(They had) the same natural reaction that (most) people have - some negative thoughts as they wanted something that they were familiar with. But in the final analysis, if you believe in and stick to the same Islamic principles, there should not be any problem.

What are your thoughts about the cow-head protesters who objected to the relocation of the Hindu temple from Section 19? Who was behind it?

I believe this is the work of puppet masters, specifically (former Selangor menteri besar) Dr Mohd Khir Toyo (left). They (Umno) are doing this to win the support of the Malays. They are trying to block our attempt towards the Islamisation of Malays.

However, they are painting a picture that the Malays are losing out...

How can you say that your (Malay) rights are not being given? Is it right to deny other people their rights? (If so) that is something with which I will never agree.

Islam teaches tolerance. They do not have the right to (deprive) others of their rights. This is basic justice and it is also why I oppose the Umno concept of ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy). There is no justification for this under the federal constitution or in Islam. What Umno is doing is a breach of the constitution and Islam, and this has to be rectified.

The Malay rights are already enshrined in the constitution. This is not the same as Malay supremacy. These (Malay rights) require affirmative action but it does not require the concept of a master race.

Your views have been different from those of Selangor PAS commissioner and exco member Hasan Ali. Do you think the PAS leadership will take action against you?

I was appointed by the party leadership to its lujnah politik (political bureau) because the leaders want differing views. I would be very surprised if disciplinary action is taken against me. PAS has always adopted a more open attitude than Umno.

What have you been working on after winning the Shah Alam parliamentary seat?

(Mainly) to get people to understand the PAS position, so that it is accepted. This could be improved further with proper and accepted interaction with PKR and DAP.

We need to dispel prejudice and come up with a common understanding. We should not be influenced by the Umno propaganda. Let us interact, and build the kind of respectable leadership which is acceptable to all. Eventually, people will see the Islamic position and will also understand our struggles.

How would you describe your victory and that of Pakatan in Selangor? How do you think the coalition should move forward?

We (Pakatan) won because people were fed up with BN. The feeling was overwhelming among the Malays and more so among non-Malays. (Then) Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did not live up to their expectations. The people had expected in 2004 (that they would get) a cleaner and more responsible government. He failed to deliver (the promise).

I won not because of my personal credentials. I lost in Shah Alam by 13,000 votes in (the) 2004 (general election), (but) the voters (accepted me last year) and I registered a majority close to 10,000 votes.
The victory has given Pakatan a chance (to run the state and also gives) the people (a chance) to know us better.

Hopefully, in the next general election, they will vote for us not because they reject BN but because they agree with (our) policy and direction. (Pakatan) cannot survive on people’s hatred of BN. They must get to know us and understand our policies.

Part 1: ‘Pakatan made a promise’