AWLA Dris, an assemblyman from Simunjan, never intended to become an elected representative. However, the political climate in 2016 left the state seat vacant, which he had to fill. He was hesitant at first, but he accepted it as a responsibility to serve the community, leaving his long-established life as a trader.
Sarawak Tribune got hold of him during the DUN assembly as he shares his personal experience from being a businessman to a people’s representative and the challenges of balancing time.
ST: How did you get selected to become the elected representative?
In 2016, the Simunjan and Gedong constituencies were split, resulting in a vacancy in the Simunjan seat. At the time, the Gedong constituency was assumed by Datuk Seri Naroden Majais, whom I accompanied everywhere. As a result, the people already knew me, and I was nominated to contest and won that year.
ST: How was life before and after becoming an assemblyman?
Before becoming an elected representative, I was a trader selling vegetables, fruits, fish and other food staples. I enjoyed this line of work. But since I became an elected representative, my life has changed completely. The difference between being a trader and an assemblyman lies in the responsibility. As assemblymen, we are the link between the government and the people. We think more about the rakyat because their welfare depends on us.
ST: Being an elected representative requires full commitment of time and energy. How do you balance time between your family, friends and work?
At night, which is typically my free time, I spend it with my family. Whereas spending time with friends may only be during short coffee breaks on working days. However, in reality, it is quite rare for an assemblyman to have much free time as most of our time is devoted to official duties, or meeting with constituents on the weekends.
