PKR nets youth activists including Adam Adli, Asheeq Ali

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today accepted 20 youth activists into the party, including former student leaders Adam Adli and Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi.

Representatives of the group handed their membership forms to the opposition leader in a symbolic ceremony held at PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya this morning.

In his welcoming speech, Anwar said he was proud to have the youths onboard especially for their strong idealism and commitment towards fighting for the country.

“When Adam, Asheeq and their comrades met me, I felt proud. Because now we have these young activists who are well known for their idealism, commitment and struggle.

“They were not PKR official members before this, but they had always been part of the fight for reformasi,” he said during the ceremony held together with a press conference.

Adam started as a student activist during his years in Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). He first came into the spotlight about 10 years ago when he and several other student leaders organised a protest over the uncertainty of posting for the teachers-to-be.

Adam had also been caught in several controversies, including when he lowered a flag depicting the then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak at the Umno headquarters during another student protest in Dec 2011.

Asheeq, now a practising lawyer, started as a student activist during his years in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

He was among the student leaders who led a rally called TangkapMO1 in 2016, which was organised following the United States Department of Justice’s court filing which said that “Malaysian Official 1” received US$731 million that originated from 1MDB.

Asheeq’s participation in the rally had landed him in hot water with UKM, which slapped him with a one-semester suspension.

Speaking at the presser, Adam said the decision to join PKR was made as he felt that it suits his political views.

“PKR is a political platform that is multiracial. Although it may not be something that is perfect, the party suits the political belief that I hold,” he said.

Asheeq, meanwhile, said the group joined PKR as the country needs more youth representation.

“Young people are leaders who should be held high and not be sidelined by political parties. Our voices should be heard by all.

“And for this, we decided to join PKR today,” he said.