My Perdana Fellows Story

I came across the Perdana Fellows Programme by accident while scrolling through my Twitter timeline. It was KJ who tweeted about it. Having followed Malaysian politics since my Pre-U days and about to graduate with an IR degree, I was curious. This was an opportunity to gain hands-on experience on Malaysian politics at the highest level of governance. This was a platform to make a difference and have our voices of concerns heard. A chance to have frank conversations with the very leaders we’ve been complaining about. So, I took a chance. And it was worth it.

I was placed under the Minister of Tourism & Culture – DS Nazri Aziz. When I first found out, I was taken aback. I only knew him by his reputation in the media. I tried keeping an open mind at the prospect of working for a man who seemingly seem arrogant and controversial. All this however, was shattered the moment I met him in person. Never would I imagine that he would be driving me around in his hometown; or having a meal with him on the floor of a small kampung’s surau. Conversations with him were always frank without any pretense or arrogance. In fact, he is always keen to hear thoughts from young Malaysians.

Throughout the fellowship, I was exposed to both the federal and grassroots work that my minister had to juggle. On weekdays I’d be in the city, and on most weekends I’d be at a kampung for constituency work! Sometimes, my journey only confirmed my suspicions about the workings of the government but there are also times that made me optimistic that our country does have some very smart and genuine people managing it. Most importantly, I learnt that managing a country is tricky and challenging; and sometimes difficult decisions have to be made.

But above all, I thank him for the opportunity to know my country better. Through the various agencies under the ministry, I was lucky enough to experience for myself the quiet but determined effort done by the government to preserve our cultural heritage. From going to an excavation site with the archaeology team to attending cultural shows at Istana Budaya and JKKN Wilayah Persekutuan. I have a much deeper appreciation for our culture after my stint at MOTAC or as the cool people call it – “the happy happy ministry”.  Culture is at the heart of everything we do; and we should all embrace it.

Oh! Did I mention that our office is located at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad? ;) 

Apply for the 2014 intake at www.perdanafellows.com!
You can also read more Perdana Fellows story at https://www.facebook.com/PerdanaFellowsMalaysia