Rais Yatim's son: 'My father's popularity sometimes helps, sometimes it doesn't'

JELEBU - The son of former Umno minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim admitted that he needs to work harder in the state polls to win votes.

Danni Rais, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Klawang seat, acknowledged that his father's popularity had given him an advantage but also sparked a comparison.

"Frankly, I say it's harder for me, as wherever I go, people will compare. Can he work like his father? "But my father always says, 'Life is not easy'. He always uses this sentence: If you want something, you must work hard.

"So I can't take it lightly. Just because my father is Rais Yatim, people would automatically vote for me. I need to work hard so that even people know Danni Rais can get the job done," he said when met by Sinar Harian in Kuala Klawang on Sunday.

Danni, a lawyer, said it has been 13 years since he began his political career, adding that he faced numerous challenges and had to pass multiple tests before earning the trust to become a candidate.

"I will always convey my father's goal and message to the community, which is that as a Malay, I must take care of the Malays and Muslims but not forget other races, including respecting their religions," he said.

Danni said he will focus on development, improving community relations through various programmes, and the local economy if he wins the state polls.

"I prioritise various matters, but ultimately, I aim to address the interests of all communities. This includes providing amenities for young people to enjoy themselves," he said.

Danni will face his cousin, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) seat incumbent, Datuk Bakri Sawir, Rais' nephew.

During the 14th General Election, Bakri, a first-time contestant, emerged victorious with 4,296 votes against Baharuddin Jali from Barisan Nasional (BN), with a majority of 976 votes.