AZMIN Ali is possibly better known as an 'old boy' of Umno and an Anwar Ibrahim loyalist - that's what most people think anyway. And he is proud to say that to him, Anwar expresses "our conviction for reforms."
Today, Azmin is a politician in his own right. He is a founder member of Parti Keadilan and is currently vice-president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat. He also won the Ulu Kelang state seat in the 1999 general election.
Recently, Azmin shared what he called "the other side of himself" with Rentakini.
Rentakini: How did you spend your recent Hari Raya? Any memorable moments?
Azmin: On the eve of Raya, my family and I spent time with my mum in Kampong Klang Gate, Hulu Kelang, KL. After that we went back to my wife hometown in Taiping. Worst experience of traffic on the North South Highway. We spent five days in Taiping this time around it was a 'wet Raya". I had to cut the number of visits to relative houses.
Do you find the 'open house' a hassle these days?
Well, I think the 'open house' is a relatively new culture among Malaysians. It can be a hassle too on average I received 10 invitations a day, especially on weekends. But I managed to cover only 7-8 open houses due to bad traffic. I also have to compromise on my diet I cannot consume all the good food offered as I try to maintain my figure after one month of fasting!
'Open houses' also enable some old friends from 'the other side' to visit me on the pretext of Raya! Otherwise, due to the climate of fear and police state, many do not dare show their faces at my events.
I understand you hosted an open house at home recently. Would you continue to do that at every Raya?
Yes, I did. The turnout was very encouraging. My last public open house was in Dec 2003. If time permits I will continue but unfortunately in 2004, I spent time abroad during Anwar Ibrahim's treatment in Munich and afterwards traveled to Saudi for umrah. Last year, I missed the opportunity again due to tight schedule.
Even when you are no longer active in politics?
Yes, because the main purpose of having an 'open house' is to renew the bonds with my family and friends. If I don't have one, then guests will stream to my house at all hours throughout the month !
Tell me about your family wife and kids?
As of today one wife and six kids three boys and three girls. Farah Shazliyana (17 years old), Mohamed Ameer Shazrin (15), Farah Amira (13), Farah Afifah (11), Mohamed Basheer Noor Alhaq (6) and Mohamed Yusuf Al Sadiq (4). They're all lovely kids who are doing well in school.
I believe family life is important to you? Discuss.
Well, I strongly believe that family is an important pillar in one's life in my experience, my wife and children were very supportive during my trials and tribulations. They stood by me and gave me support unlike some of my very personal friends who turned around during the fiasco and backstabbed me so I learnt my lesson that at the end of the day, it's the family that will come up to defend me.
What do you think of the many divorce cases which had been hogging our headlines of late, particularly those involving VIPs and celebrities?
It's the sign of a break-up of the family institution and moral crisis of our time people go after fame and fortune. But I think the overwhelming majority still consider marriage as very important. So one has to carefully consider his or her spouse.
And of those well-to-do Malaysians getting involved in illicit affairs and getting into trouble later?
Well, I am sorry for them. I would advise them not to resort to "C4 explosive" because sooner if not later, the explosion will be amplified throughout the world.
Do you think you are a one-woman man?
I'm loyal and faithful to my only wife. I am happy to remain so.
Ever been tempted to get another wife?
My wife, Shida, is my Aphrodite .
Name one American president you admire the most? Why?
Abraham Lincoln. Because he freed the slaves, liberated the people and at the same time, he prevented the United States from breaking up.
Name a living former US president you would like to meet one day? Why?
Bill Clinton. I admire his ability to connect with the people.
What is the one most important question you would want to ask him when you meet him?
I want to ask President Clinton how he could be president of the United States while reading seven books a day and engaging in extra curricular activities with Monica Lewinsky.
Hey, who do you think is more handsome Dr Mahathir Mohamad or Anwar Ibrahim? Why?
I don't think look is a crucial issue in leadership, although I think Anwar is better looking. To most people who take Anwar as their leader, what matters is, he expresses our conviction for reforms.
The next time you have the opportunity to walk right up to Dr Mahathir, what is the one thing you would want to tell him?
You must remember, I was very close to Mahathir and his family. In fact, as I testified in court during Anwar's trial, I was introduced to Anwar by Mahathir. I have never met him since September 1998 even though there were several attempts by his cronies and family members to arrange a meeting. But I refused.
If I do get the opportunity, I will convey to Mahathir the sentiment of the rakyat that demands a public apology for his role in the destruction of civil society and the slanderous attacks on those who oppose him. The people want Mahathir to enjoy his retirement in peace and give Abdullah a chance to lead.
Heard that you are very keen about cars. Tell us about your involvement in the auto industry.
I am operating a small business as a dealer of SSangyong and MG Rover. I have my own showroom to display various models of Rexton, Kyron, Chairman and MG Rover. But I am not an AP holder!
How is the car industry in Malaysia today? Are we in a slump?
The ministry involved in making the regulatory policies are obviously not in tune with the industry. It is in one big mess. Generally the market is in a rut created by ill-conceived policies.
For example, if a person owns a three-year old car, then financed it, it is very likely that today he owes the bank more money than what can actually be realised when selling it in the open market. Under such circumstances, would you sell your car for a newer one ?
Name three cars which are your all-time favourites in order of preference.
5 series BMW, Mercedez SL 55, VW Toureag.
Which car in the James Bond movies particularly thrills you?
Aston Martin DB 9 (
left
).
Ever dream of becoming a Formula One driver?
Yes. I guess any politician would enjoy being a Formula One driver being in a high pressure, fast pace race track! But the downside is like politics, the risk of failure is so great.
Tell me, what do you think of Kuala Lumpur women in general? Say, as you stand along Bintang Walk look look, see see!
KL women are quite attractive, some still rooted in culture and traditions and some are rather aggressive. Sometimes a combination of both.
Do you think KL women are originally sexy? Feel free to discuss .
Recent trend in urban women fashion tends to exhibit sexuality but there is also a visible signs of KL women dressing modestly, though not without beauty and attractiveness. And yet they adhere to this without the need of being fined for dressing otherwise!
Name a local celebrity that fits your bill of a sexy woman?
Someone like Dian Sastrowardoyo!
And one Hollywood star?
Definitely Nicole Kidman.
On your death-bed, what do you think will be the last word to your wife?
I love you, darling. Life must go on. Please don't regret being married to a politician.
FRANCIS PAUL hopes that Shida is very happy now that her husband has made a public declaration that he is a one-woman man. Feedback can reach Rentakini at [email protected] .
