By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, March 29 — Former student activist and lawyer Asheeq Ali has decided to contest for the post of Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Batu division chief in the upcoming party polls in May.
He said he is confident that with the support of division members, Batu can be restored its rightful place as the ultimate stronghold of Reformasi in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
"I seek the support of all members so that together, we can elevate Batu as a true symbol of the people’s struggle," Asheeq said in a statement yesterday.
His candidacy pits him against incumbent division chief cum Batu MP P. Prabakaran, who has held the position since May 2022 after ousting his predecessor Chua Tian Chang.
Asheeq added that the election is crucial in ensuring that Keadilan remains strong with a solid machinery to face the 16th general election and that party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim continues as Prime Minister for the next term.
"As a former student activist and now a lawyer, I have fought for human rights, social justice, and the rule of law. I joined Keadilan with one main goal — to strengthen the party’s struggle in Cabang Batu.
"Batu is not just a constituency; it is a symbol of the people’s strength, grassroots movement, and social justice that must continue to be upheld," he said.
Asheeq said the election must be based on efforts to bring the Batu division closer to the people, wherein its main focus should be serving the people regardless of race and background, advocating for local issues, and amplifying their voices at a higher level.
"Batu was once the strongest branch in the Federal Territory — the heart of the people’s movement and a stronghold of the Reformasi struggle.
"We must restore Batu’s glory as the main bastion of Keadilan’s fight in the Federal Territory, with renewed spirit and dynamic leadership," he said.
Asheeq is the latest individual to contest for a post in the party, with Keadilan strategic director Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad gunning for Keadilan’s Central Leadership Council, and Kota Damansara state assemblyman Izuan Kasim standing as the party's Youth Wing deputy chief position.
Other Keadilan members who have chosen to defend their posts include vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, vice-president Chang Lih Kang, vice-president Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, and vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
