'I will be judged based on my record, not my father's influence' - Anfaal

SELAYANG - "I will be judged based on my record and performance, not in my capacity as the daughter of Saari Sungib (incumbent Hulu Kelang assemblyman)," says Taman Templer Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Anfaal Saari.

Anfaal said being the daughter of someone influential was not an option even though some may think of it as a privilege.

However, she stressed that she was nominated as a candidate for the Taman Templer State Legislative Assembly in her capacity as the Gombak Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Women chief and national Amanah Wanita vice-chief.

"I started as a council member of the Selayang Municipal Council in 2018 and then the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council.

"When the candidates were announced, I was initially in the Hulu Kelang state assembly, then in the Taman Templer state assembly.

“I contested to fulfil the party's women quota.

"It means that I stand on my own two feet and rely upon my own abilities. I did not use my father's name to get the position.

"However, respect for my father is an added value for me," she said during a recent state election campaign programme.

She was commenting on claims that she was chosen as an Amanah candidate due to the influence of her father, Saari, who was not contesting in the Hulu Kelang seat in the Aug 12 state election due to health issues.

In the meantime, she voiced confidence in her ability to remain in the Taman Templer state seat previously held by Amanah representative Sany Hamzan.

"Based on the spirit of the unity government at the central level that has been brought to the state, we are confident that we can pair two strong teams (PH-Barisan Nasional) to maintain victory," she added.

Anfaal (PH-Amanah) will be contesting against Zaidy Abdul Talib (Perikatan Nasional-Pas) and Aida Rahman (Muda) in the Taman Templer state seat.