From:
Date: 23 Nov 1999
Time: 00:02:32
Lokman banking on reputation
BANDAR TENGGARA: Lokman Noor Adam, 26, is banking on his reputation as one of Parti Keadilan Nasional's youngest firebrands in taking on Umno Youth acting head Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein.
The state Keadilan Youth chief has several "records" to his credit, including being detained under the Internal Security Act and being the youngest candidate to contest in the elections in Johor.
The Batu Pahat-born ITM secretarial science diploma holder can be easily mistaken for an older person because of his "serious" disposition which has helped him deal with party colleagues.
"I am a naturally serious person. I worry that people will not take me seriously if I act my age," he said in an interview with The Star.
His involvement in politics began eight years ago in Umno where he served as Youth head for the Taman Kluang branch, and secretary for the Umno Youth's Culture and Arts Council.
He was also active in the movement's Tunas Bestari programme which provides educational assistance to Malay students.
He was sacked by Umno along with nine others for his involvement in the reformasi movement.
Lokman's father Adam Ali and father-in-law Ahmad Yusof are Umno loyalists but their political differences are not a threat to the family's unity as "everyone respects and understands each other's principles."
On his chances in wresting the seat from Hishammuddin, Lokman admitted he would face a tough fight and likened his challenge to "a cucumber versus a durian."
"However, it would be unfair to the people if they are not given any other choice apart from the Barisan Nasional.
"The Barisan Alternative is not just about opposing the Government but about justice and freedom," he said.