FORMER health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is reportedly done with competitive politics and does not plan to contest in the next general election.
The two-term Kuala Selangor MP reportedly told The Malaysian Insight in an interview yesterday (May 31) that having been an elected representative for two terms is enough for him and that he now wants to step aside and make way for younger leaders.
“I want to make way for younger leaders and I’ve said that a year earlier to the top party leaders,” the Parti Amanah Negara politician was quoted as saying to the news portal.
“Things are never cast in stone in politics but if you ask me honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I’m done. I’ve had two terms in Parliament and 22 months as a minister. I wish I could do more. So far as I’m concerned, it’s finished. It’s already the end of it.”
According to Dr Dzulkefly, two terms is sufficient for any office-bearer to ensure continuity and leadership change and that it was something he felt was “missing in Malaysian politics” and thus needed to be addressed.
However, he also noted that younger office-bearers can make a comeback following a hiatus. “If you’re young, then you have a break and come back more enriched, embellished, skillful [and] more competent,” he was reported saying.
When asked if he would reconsider if his party requests him to contest, the 66-year-old Amanah strategy director reiterated that he had already told the party of his intention to move on a year ago.
Rather, he wished to groom young leaders and hoped to put an end to toxic politics in the country.
“I would want to assume a role, hopefully seeing and grooming technocratic leaders, younger crop of professional leaders, even activists,” he told the news portal.
“I really wish to assume this role in a more significant way. I want to advance ethical politics and have leaders able to address issues and policies, regardless of whatever background they are from, especially if they want to be an MP.” – June 1, 2022
