PETALING JAYA: The 10-way battle for Batu in the 15th General Election (GE15) has grabbed even more attention with a popular social media influencer vying for the parliament seat.

Independent candidate Nur Fathiah Syazwana Shaharuddin, better known as Cleopatra on social media, will pose a strong challenge for the hot seat, reported mStar.

This was because apart from being a single mother to two children at a very young age, she also looked after her mother, grandmother and two other siblings.

The 28-year-old also has experience in the security and defence industry.

She is the director of Raffles Force (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd after being appointed in 2021 in addition to holding the position as Nova Defense Sdn Bhd director since 2019.

Her dexterity and influence in the field could be seen in the business sector as she was a successful entrepreneur who often became a reference among newcomers.

Cleopatra was also active as a community activist and active in helping those in need.

The Penang-born influencer has been involved in charity work and is the founder of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Hetero Action Women Alliance (Hawa).

As an activist who was close to the life and welfare of the community, Cleopatra said she felt that the political field was the best platform for her to continue championing the people's rights, in line with her tagline "Batu Baru".

Earlier, she has also said that her involvement in politics was to help improve the quality of education, economic activities, welfare, infrastructure, safety and well-being of the people of Batu.

She also wanted to be the eyes and ears of the people in raising any issues to drive towards a mature political transformation in Malaysia.

Cleopatra is a graduate from the London Teacher Training College in the United Kingdom and is currently continuing her studies in the field of law.

Batu is estimated to have 112,000 voters meanwhile voters by racial breakdown in the area are 43% Malay, 30% Chinese, 20% Indian and 7% for others.

Big names in politics such as independent candidate and former incumbent Tian Chua, Barisan Nasional's Datuk A Kohilan Pillay, Perikatan Nasional's Azhar Yahya and past incumbent P. Prabakaran from PKR, as well as lawyer and social activist Siti Kasim will also be contesting in Batu.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/11/07/ge15-who-is-cleopatra