Too young? Rashifa says her record speaks for itself

JOHOR BAHRU - Muda candidate for Puteri Wangsa, Rashifa Aljunied, has pushed back against concerns over her age and relative inexperience, insisting that years of grassroots service and a commitment to integrity make her ready to represent the constituency.

The young candidate, who is contesting in one of Johor's closely watched seats, said voters should assess candidates based on their track record of service rather than their age.

"What I'm not enough in age, I will make sure it's enough with integrity. What I'm not enough with experience, I will make sure it's enough with honesty to serve the people," she told Sinar Daily.

Rashifa said her time serving residents in Puteri Wangsa has prepared her for the challenges of elected office.

"Personally, I trust what we've achieved in Puteri Wangsa. We've worked hard for the constituency," she said.

Responding to critics who have likened the influx of young candidates in the state election to a 'university-level election', Rashifa said emerging politicians often face unfair stereotypes.

"Unfortunately, many politicians are not taken seriously simply because of their age.

"But I believe our track record proves otherwise. I started out at 22 years old as a constituency worker and I believe the results we've delivered have been meaningful. But I know that we have to do more," she added.

She highlighted several achievements by her team during its time serving the constituency, including resolving more than 10,000 public complaints, raising RM1.9 million for community initiatives and providing free SPM tuition classes to 40 students over the past year.

Rashifa also outlined three key commitments should she be elected as the assemblywoman for Puteri Wangsa.

The first is to hold regular town halls to create a direct bridge between residents and government agencies.

Secondly, she wants to formulate a dedicated climate plan for the constituency, noting its mix of rural, suburban and urban communities with different environmental challenges.

"This area is unique because it includes rural, suburban and urban communities. That's why it needs a tailored climate plan," she said.

Her third priority is addressing the rising cost of living and housing affordability in Johor.

"Housing prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable across Johor, and I want to make sure residents' concerns are heard," she said.

On the question of political alliances, Rashifa said Muda remains open to working with any side that shares its reform agenda, despite having spent the current term in the opposition.

"We have served as the opposition throughout this term and are prepared to continue doing so if it aligns with the progressive policies we want to champion," she said.

The Puteri Wangsa seat is set for a five-cornered contest in the Johor state election, with the Election Commission (EC) fixing July 11 as nomination day.

The constituency will see Rashifa facing Pakatan Harapan candidate Maszlee Malik, Barisan Nasional candidate Teow Chia Ling, Parti Bersama Malaysia candidate Nicholas Paul Vincent and independent candidate Wang Wee Siong.