“Come and check out this view,” the former teacher beckoned to reporters who had gathered to interview him. The view did not disappoint. Clear blue skies made the scenery all the more captivating and Sabri had every reason to feel blessed that he lives where he does.
In his signature PAS green shirt and white cap, Sabri looks very much the religious man that he is.
He has a big family. He and his Terengganu-born wife have 10 children, three of whom are studying overseas.
This man who loves the wonders of nature, his religion and his family is also passionate about his party’s struggle, and he is determined to prove that it made the right decision in naming him its candidate for the Jerai parliamentary seat.
Sabri was PAS’ last minute replacement for Mohamad Ismail, who had to be dropped for technical reasons.
He is contesting against incumbent Jamil Khir Baharom of Umno and PPBM’s Akramsyah Sanusi, who is the son of the late Kedah menteri besar, Sanusi Junid.
“I have always been a party worker,” he said. “So when I heard that I was nominated, I looked at it as an opportunity to help the party win. My love for the party is deeper than the delight of being chosen as a candidate. And as vice-chief of the Jerai division, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to help the party attain its wishes.”
Sabri, who will be making his electoral debut, finds both opponents formidable although he only recently heard of Akramsyah. Jamil Khir, on the other hand, is no stranger to him. Their fathers are cousins.
In the 2013 election, Jamal Khir beat PAS’ Mohd Firdaus Jaafar with a slim majority, winning only slightly more than 50% of the votes.
Jerai’s racial make-up is 79% Malays, 15% Chinese and 6% Indians.
Sabri said he believed his chances of winning were increasing day by day. “For instance, in Guar Chempedak town yesterday, traders and ordinary members of the public came looking for me without prompting. Previously I never saw or even knew those who supported us, but now suddenly I am seeing this, and it is a good sign.”
On the issues he will be championing if he is voted in, Sabri said welfare would be a priority, in accordance with the party’s agenda.
“We will look at ways and means of reducing the cost of living. And we’ll look into sectors where we can generate jobs for young people.”
He also said people in the area were angry over the goods and services tax (GST).
“A trader in Guar Chempedak told me he had had to dismiss some employees because the cost of running his business had become too high, no thanks to the GST,” he said, adding that there were people who were fearful of spending money as everything was subjected to tax.
Nevertheless, he said, he was proud that relations between rival political parties in Jerai were cordial, unlike in Kelantan and Terengganu.
“I am in the middle of the Umno heartland, but people can accept me when I deliver sermons at mosques. And if someone who supports Umno is in need, we will help without any political motive whatsoever. He is my neighbour; so I must help him. And I will not ask him to vote for PAS.
“In Jerai, we have good ties with people of different political beliefs, and I treasure that. I can have functions in my house, and those from Umno will attend. This is what I am proud of.”
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