Ainie vows to be 'the loudest voice' for Simpang Jeram in Johor assembly

MUAR – For Muda's Simpang Jeram candidate Ainie Haziqah Shafii, the role of an elected representative is not defined by whether they sit on the government or opposition benches, but by their willingness to speak up for the people they represent.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots this Saturday, Ainie has made legislative advocacy one of the five pillars of her Lima Tekad Aini (Aini's Five Pledges), arguing that an assemblyman's effectiveness should be measured by courage, conviction and the ability to influence policy - not by the size of their political party.

"The most important thing is please choose an assemblyman, our representative, who is brave enough to speak out. Don't just ask whether it is the government or the opposition.

"The most important thing as an assemblyman or as a Member of Parliament is that they must be brave to speak out. That is why I am very confident with my five pledges. No matter which seat I am in, when I receive the mandate as the assemblyman for Simpang Jeram, I am very confident that I can be the loudest voice," she said in an interview with Sinar Harian.

For Ainie, being vocal is not simply about delivering speeches in the Johor State Legislative Assembly. She said it means using the legislative platform to push for policies that directly address issues affecting residents, particularly young families.

Among the priorities she wants to champion is the introduction of stronger safeguarding and protection policies for children in nurseries, kindergartens and schools, which she believes remain insufficient despite growing public concern.

"If I am given the mandate, these are the things that I must speak out about. I must emphasise them and set a high bar to ensure that young people feel they are safe.

"The most important thing is that if we are given the mandate, this is what Muda will do. We must be the voice," she said.

Ainie said meaningful legislative influence does not necessarily depend on having a large number of representatives in government.

Instead, she pointed to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Puteri Wangsa incumbent Amira Aisya Abd Aziz as examples of how a small number of lawmakers can still shape national conversations and influence policy debates.

"Even though it is only one voice from Syed Saddiq in Parliament, he is brave enough to speak out and many policies and foundations at the parliamentary level and also the state government, like YB Amira, can be changed," she said.

She argued that quality of representation should take precedence over political numbers, saying impactful voices can challenge existing norms and force important issues onto the legislative agenda.

"Even though there are only these two people, both of these voices actually give a very big impact. As we determine policies, foundations and laws in our country, it is very important that these issues are brought up first.

"I am confident that voices like these are capable of shaking the State Legislative Assembly and also Parliament," she said. 

Beyond policy advocacy, Ainie believes vocal representation also serves as an important check on political power.

She said smaller parties have a responsibility to challenge what she described as the complacency of larger political coalitions, arguing that voters should not be treated as "fixed deposits" whose support can be taken for granted.

"Parties like Muda, even though small, are able to go against the tide and ensure that big parties are no longer comfortable where they are. 

"They can no longer say that voters must be 'strategic' because voting for Muda is strategic. Voting for one young assemblyman to be in the State Legislative Assembly is a strategic norm because of the voice I have.

"We cannot allow the old politics, these old 'dinosaur' politicians, to continue determining the direction of the country," she said. 

Ainie also maintained that speaking up requires a willingness to stand by principles, even when doing so comes at a political cost.

She cited Muda's decision to leave the unity government as an example of the party prioritising its principles over political expediency, saying elected representatives should not compromise on core issues simply to preserve political alliances.

Ainie said her vision for Simpang Jeram is to become a direct voice for younger voters and families, ensuring concerns such as the rising cost of living, childcare welfare, education and child protection receive sustained attention in the State Legislative Assembly.