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PETALING JAYA: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman says he didn’t want to join Pejuang because he wanted to empower young people and promote a more multiracial Malaysia.
Syed Saddiq recently confirmed that he would form his own youth-focused party instead of joining Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s new party, Pejuang.
He is believed to have chaired a meeting today with about 30 people, including businessmen, lawyers and activists, on the new party, and is expected to make an announcement soon.
Moreover, in a previous interview with Malaysiakini, he said that one of his party’s goals was to end monetary policy, as well as disrupt the political status quo and give young people a greater voice.
“I will always have my respect (for) Mahathir, but I think it is time that we believe in and harness the energy of multiracial Malaysia and the great diversity that goes with it,” he said.
“I have already informed him (Mahathir) and the Pejuang leadership of my decision not to join the party and the reasons. I wish them all the best, ”he added.
Syed Saddiq was head of the Youth of the PPBM and also minister of youth and sports until the break in the PPBM led him to leave the party with Mahathir and other deputies.
In the interview, he also mentioned how his time in the party had been a revelation about political financing.
He said that PPBM Youth had raised funds through crowdfunding and donations prior to the 2018 general election; once Pakatan Harapan won the election, corporate financing quickly became the norm.
“However, after the elections, when we don’t change the culture of monetary policy, that’s when (you have) discussions (about how) these corporations are the ones we have to meet with and that’s how you do it,” he said.
“There is a nominee structure that can be pushed, there is a contract structure and there are many other things … Without a big change, (things) will be the same,” he said, adding how the PPBM divisions would “request” party contributions every month.
He said his youth party will take a principled approach towards “genuine and concrete reforms, no matter how harsh and unpopular they may be” with young people who have the political will to do so.
Syed Saddiq, a deputy for Muar, said his fight could come at a cost. “I can lose my seat. I can lose everything. I’ve come to terms with that, ”he said.
