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With the controversy over his alleged cigar-smoking video yet to fade, PKR politician Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin has found himself at the centre of fresh criticism after posting a video captioned “talkin pilihanraya.”

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The clip has drawn backlash from Muslim social media users.

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Dressed in a white robe (jubah) and kopiah (headgear), the imagery and tone of the video is seen as inappropriate and insensitive, particularly given his speech in the video which was crafted to mimic a talkin reading but replaced with a “vote for Harapan” message.

Addressing the voters of Johor, he said other parties will approach them, and some may offer RM100, which he urged voters to ask for RM500 instead.

He added that if you were offered coffee and tea, instead ask for Milo, rice and food supplies for a month.

But when asked to vote for others, voters were told to reply clearly that they will still vote for Pakatan Harapan.

In Islam, talqin is a solemn recitation traditionally performed after a Muslim has been buried.

It serves as a reminder of faith and is regarded by many Muslims as a sacred religious practice associated with death and the hereafter.

Although this was clearly an election gimmick, Shamsul Iskandar’s antics clearly didn’t sit well with the public.

Even his fellow party member and Lembah Jaya assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, better known as Altimet argued that it crosses a line, saying “this aint it fam”.

As of press time, Shamsul, who is a former senior political advisor to the prime minister, has not publicly addressed the latest criticism surrounding the “talkin pilihanraya” video.The video too, remains across his social media accounts.

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