Setiawangsa PKR chief Afdlin Shauki says he is not ashamed of being called a “professional comedian”, but strongly objects to the label being used to cast doubt on his leadership and grassroots support.
Responding to PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who reportedly made the remark during a campaign event on Saturday night, he said such comments carried weight even if it was meant in jest.
A veteran of the entertainment industry, Afdlin said he has spent more than three decades in the arts shaping public awareness, and sees no conflict between his creative background and his political role.
“I am not ashamed of being called a comedian, nor of being a director, producer, writer, educator, and social activist. It is part of my identity as an artist. It is also how I have supported my family all these years,” he said in a Facebook post.
“But when that label is used to question my qualifications and the leadership mandate given by grassroots members, it takes on a different meaning.
“It implies that the voices of those who voted for me are undeserving of respect simply because I did not come from a ‘political factory’.”
Afdlin also dismissed the idea that his victory was a fluke, pointing out that his entire Setiawangsa team, including the deputy chief, youth chief and committee members, had won.
“This is not a personal victory; it is a collective voice from the grassroots calling for new energy and leadership that is willing to work on the ground, not just appear on stage in discourse forums,” he said.
He urged PKR to embrace members from all walks of life, including artists and professionals, instead of limiting politics to the elites.
“I believe that if we truly want to keep PKR relevant, we must celebrate differences, not belittle them,” he said.
He said he remains open to dialogue and collaboration, even with Rafizi, but would not remain silent if his integrity or the will of party members is publicly ridiculed.
“Let us return to the core of our struggle: respect the grassroots’ decision, embrace diverse backgrounds, and work for the people, not for mutual praise.”
The actor-comedian had defeated Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in the divisional elections last month, winning the chairmanship by 631 votes to 563.
Afdlin joined PKR in 2021 and had previously contested the same post in 2022, losing to Nik Nazmi, a two-term Setiawangsa MP, PKR vice-president and federal minister.
