The fifth of six siblings, Joohari grew up in hardship.
His father, Ariffin Ismail, eked out a living by selling banana leaves for nasi lemak and kuih, while his mother, a housewife, cared for them full time. Food was scarce as there was not much money.
“Besides selling banana leaves as far as Butterworth, my father had to do odd jobs to make ends meet. He also sold goods at the local night market. I know what hardship is,” Joohari told FMT in an interview, dismissing the Perikatan Nasional (PN) narrative that he had a silver-spoon upbringing.
Growing up in a tiny house at Jalan Stesen in Sungai Bakap, his only source of inspiration were the “superb” teachers at SK Sungai Bakap and Penang Free School, which inspired him to become an educator.
Joohari – whose name was registered with two Os as the registrar “spelt it that way” – is a firm believer that education uplifts people from poverty, calling himself a living example.
However, being thrust into active politics was something the father of five never imagined, despite having been sympathetic to Anwar Ibrahim’s “reformasi” cause since 1998.
The PH candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election, who turns 60 on July 17, said he signed up with PKR because he believed in its struggle.
“Now that I am done with teaching, I thought I would take the next step to give back to my home state by being a YB,” he said, adding that he is a huge admirer of PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and even considers comments that he looks a little like the prime minister a compliment.
With a long career in education, Joohari transitioned from being a teacher to training principals and education department officers as the chief of the Institut Aminuddin Baki northern branch.
“Even though my job required me to move around, I never left the north. I made it a point to return home every weekend. Penang is in my blood,” he said.
He said his role in Wadah – an outfit for alumni of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, a Muslim NGO which Anwar once headed – had taught him how to serve the people, which would come in handy if he wins the by-election on Saturday.
His experience in Wadah and his over-30 years in the education sector, where he taught thousands of students, has made it easy for him to connect with the constituents in Sungai Bakap and Nibong Tebal at large.
Still, Joohari knows that wresting the state seat from PAS will not come easy as the Islamic party has a strong grip on some areas in Sungai Bakap.
He remains hopeful, however, noting that the seat was once held by PKR for three terms. He says voters in the area are also starting to warm up to the unity coalition.
“I have many friends in Sungai Duri where the so-called stronghold of PAS is. Many of them are my students. I have met them, and they are very supportive. For me, we focus on the clear communication of our manifesto and policies.
“Winning over those on the fence is crucial, and we believe our message will resonate with them.”
With a day left until polling, he said he was focusing on getting people to come out to vote. “I want to contribute to the state that I love and help my constituents advance in life,” he said.
Joohari will be involved in a straight fight with PN’s Abidin Ismail of PAS. The seat fell vacant following the death of PAS assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.