A time comes in life when one has to say Goodbye’ and ‘Thanks’ to friends and supporters. That time has come for me as Member of Parliament.
By the time you read this, you would have elected a new Parliament.
My nine-year term as a Parliamentarian ended on November 26, the day of General Election. With your support, I was thoroughly committed to my job as an MP and did what I could for the ethnic community and the wider New Zealand community.
As I have often said, my main job as the first South Asian and first Muslim in New Zealand Parliament was to open doors for future generations of ethnic and migrant communities.
Given the number of ethnic MPs now in Parliament, I believe that I have been largely successful in my struggle.
I wish more of our people will take interest in politics and make it to Parliament.
It is possible in the MMP environment, but needs commitment and the ability and willingness to do the hard yard.
I have been honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to represent the interests of our people.
Although I have left Parliament, I would not be very far from you.
I would still be involved in community issues.
Therefore, please keep in touch.
You are welcome to contact me if there are any political or community Issues that you wish addressed.
I thank you, your family and friends who have so kindly supported me over the past nine years. I am also grateful for your support to my staff, Alamgir Afridi and Rebecca Papprill, respectively at my Auckland and Wellington offices.
Please contact me at ashrafchoudhary1@gmail.com
Afridi can be reached on alamgir.afridi1@gmail.com
I extend my best wishes to you and your family.
Dr Ashraf Choudhary was Member of Parliament on Labour List from 2002 to 2011.
As well as a regular reader of Indian Newslink, he was a contributor and columnist for many years. Indian Newslink wishes him and his family continued good health, peace, progress and prosperity.
