Muda candidate banking on people's power in race for Selangor seat

For more than a week, Dobby Chew has been starting each day with a new routine: getting to know the voters in a crucial constituency ahead of the Aug 12 polls in Selangor. 

Normally, the 33-year-old would be in his office, dealing with rights-related issues. He also has his hands full leading NGOs in efforts such as the move to abolish the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia. 

Today, though, he is one of four candidates vying for the Seri Setia seat, contesting on behalf of his party, Muda, which is up against two of the country's most established political coalitions in addition to an independent. 

Speaking in an interview with MalaysiaNow, Chew, who was born and raised in Selangor, said he was more of an activist than a politician. 

Much of his work so far has been in mobilising the community and helping the government formulate policies, especially on matters involving human rights. 

But this is precisely where his convictions lie. 

"I believe that whether in politics or NGOs, it is not only the role of the government or politicians that will change our country," he said. 

"It is the movement of the people. It's not just about politics or leading. It's about becoming the voice of the people or the facilitator in ensuring that the people arise and become the pushing force behind our changes in legislation."  

Chew was nominated by Muda alongside five others to contest the election in Selangor, Malaysia's richest state. 

The former deputy chairman of human rights body Amnesty International Malaysia is seeking to wrest a seat currently held by PKR – the lynchpin party of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan coalition. 

This time around, PKR is fielding Fahmi Ngah to defend the seat, while federal opposition pact Perikatan Nasional is fielding Mohd Zubir Embong of PAS. 

The fourth candidate eyeing the Seri Setia seat is independent Harindran Krishnan.

Why shift from activism to politics?

When asked what had prompted his shift from activism to politics, Chew acknowledged that he had once sought to distance himself from the latter. 

He said he had never liked politics due to its structure which he described as too complex, with every party seen as having its own internal politics. 

He added that certain individuals hold power in each party, and that anyone seeking to bring about change or new ideas would have to fight for many things before being able to speak in public. 

For him, this is where Muda provides a platform different from that of other political parties. 

"Especially when the party itself says we are open to any options available," he said. 

With the clock ticking towards election day on Saturday, Chew said this was an opportunity for him to combine politics and activism, which could become a new path in the local political arena. 

"We would prioritise the people and ensure that they move ahead. 

"Not just the politicians in front who say that they are making all of these policies when in reality, it's the people below who are behind the movement."