Political activism in my blood, says PBB Youth chief

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BEING the son of Yusof Merais, who was jailed by British colonists for his activism, it seemed only natural for Datuk Fadillah Yusof to be politically active as well.

He first won the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency at the age of 42 with a majority of 12,816 against Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi from Parti Kedilan Rakyat (PKR).

Fadillah polled 18,236 votes compared to his opponent’s 5,420 votes.

In 2008, he received 19,515 votes against PKR’s Mohamad Jolhi’s 5,118 votes for an increased majority of 14,397 votes.

He was later appointed as Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The state Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief has a law degree from University Malaya.

 

Q: What motivated you to join politics?

A desire to serve. When I first joined (the late Petra Jaya  MP Tan Sri Dr) Sulaiman Daud on a couple of programmes many years ago, I saw there were many people in Kuching who needed help.

It also came naturally to me as I was born in a family that fought for the independence of Malaysia. My father was an activist.

I have this desire to serve the country and our people.

 

Q: Why did you choose this political party?

In the early 90s, I was a legal adviser to (Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Datuk) Daud (Abdul Rahman) until one time he suggested that I join him in politics.

After that, I started playing a role in the chief information committee and from there I was brought into the youth section of Tupong.

Later in 2004, I was first elected as MP for Petra Jaya.

 

Q: What is your strength as a political leader?

I am passionate about serving the people. And I always give my best.

Look at what I focus on as an MP and my track record.

I have been looking into many aspects including bringing about further physical development and better social welfare for the people.

 

Q: Could you give a general description of your constituency?

When I first became Petra Jaya MP in 2004, I focused on the physical development be it roads, drainage system, clinics or schools.

Such basic infrastructure development is on-going and I will continue to work closely with all the three state elected representatives to address issues faced by the people.

The number of squatters in Petra Jaya has been reduced while the roads and drainage system have been improved.

Following the increasing population, we also have new schools in Petra Jaya  including one full-fledged boarding school — Sains Kuching Utara.

A new health clinic, which is under construction, is 80 per cent completed.Roads in Matang area and Jalan Sultan Tengah have been widened.

The government has approved RM145 million for a new bridge to link Matang to Stapok.

Such a project, once finalised, usually takes 24 months. In addition, Jalan Matang will be upgraded to a dual carriageway to ease gridlock in Petra Jaya.

I am also made to understand that the construction of a new hospital in Petra Jaya will commence this year. The hospital project is to be finalised.

 

Q: What would you do for the constituency over the next five years?

Physical development and  basic amenities are to be carried on.

I will get assistance from both state and federal governments to provide more low- and middle-cost housing for people of Petra Jaya.

Urban poverty is among the issues to be addressed, and providing the urban poor with shelter is a solution.

More economic activities will be brought in by the government through the private sector to offer more opportunities for the people.

I am also determined to protect our environment, and will work with the local authorities towards this end.

I want a safe, clean and healthy environment for all and our future generations.

Education is a must. I will continue to support our schools, higher learning institutions and teacher-training programmes.

 

Q: Any message for your voters?

My hope is that people will judge me based on my performance and  track record. I believe that only Barisan Nasional can do better for the people. So go for Barisan Nasional for the continuity of the whole transformation programme, which is already in the process of transforming Malaysia into a better nation.