PETALING JAYA — Actor and director Datuk Afdlin Shauki has pulled off a stunning upset in PKR’s internal elections, unseating federal minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as chairman of the party’s Setiawangsa division.
Afdlin, 52, secured 631 votes to Nik Nazmi’s 563 in today’s ballot, reversing the result of the 2022 contest in which the former comedian lost to the two-term MP.
The victory gives Afdlin his first major party leadership role since joining PKR in 2021.
Nik Nazmi, who has held the Setiawangsa parliamentary seat since 2018 and is currently Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, had earlier indicated he welcomed the challenge.
“We celebrate democracy, and we welcome all members who wish to contest,” he said during the campaign, when asked about Afdlin’s candidacy.
“Every candidate has a shot at winning. I remain confident that PKR members in Setiawangsa are with me.”
Despite expressing confidence in his grassroots support, Nik Nazmi had also emphasised the importance of a respectful contest, saying he did not take any opponent lightly.
The result is widely seen as a symbolic blow to the party vice-president, who is also vying to retain his position in PKR’s national leadership at the upcoming polls on May 24.
Voter turnout in Setiawangsa was modest, with 1,207 ballots cast from a total of 1,640 eligible members, according to party figures. — April 19, 2025