PETALING JAYA: PKR’s Tengku Zafrul Aziz has warned that having a huge social media presence does not necessarily translate into votes.
Commenting on popular Tamil movie star-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, who was recently sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, the former federal minister said there were many artistes, influencers, and big names who had joined politics.
However, despite their popularity, none had replicated Vijay’s success, he said.
Tengku Zafrul said that Vijay, a veteran in the cinema industry, formed his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024. It won over 100 seats at last month’s polls.
Tengku Zafrul said Vijay’s achievements could not be attributed solely to his popularity.
“Popularity on social media does not mean one can win votes.
“Malaysia has artistes who have become politicians, but these artistes have yet to become a movement. So who will be Malaysia’s Vijay?” he said in a video uploaded on Instagram.
While Tengku Zafrul made no reference to any specific individuals, PKR itself has several former entertainers among its members, including Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, known as rapper Altimet, and actor-comedian Afdlin Shauki. They both joined PKR in 2021.
Others include Sulaiman Ibrahim, also known as Leman Raja Lawak, and actor-producer Hans Isaac.
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil is also a former actor and writer.
