I've been consistent all this while, Syed Saddiq tells critics urging him to vacate Muar seat

PETALING JAYA: Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has responded to calls for him to vacate the Muar parliamentary seat after leaving the unity government by asking his critics to “buy a mirror”. He emphasized that he had remained consistent and true to his platform, contesting under the Muda banner and advocating for causes such as anti-corruption and the strengthening of public institutions. In a virtual town hall session on Sunday (Sept 10), Syed Saddiq stated, “I’m not the one who dropped the cases of corruption.” This came hours after Muda announced its departure from the unity government.

Earlier, there were growing calls for Syed Saddiq to vacate the Muar parliamentary seat, which he has held since May 2018. These calls came following Muda’s decision to leave the unity government after a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) was granted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on his 47 corruption charges. Among those making the calls was Haziq Azfar Ishak, PKR Youth information chief, who highlighted the role of Pakatan Harapan in supporting Muda during the 15th General Election (GE15).

Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Adam equated Syed Saddiq’s decision to leave the unity government with the actions of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan MPs who had switched parties. Lokman Adam claimed that Syed Saddiq won in GE15 due to the electoral pact with Pakatan, which did not field a candidate against him. Several other Pakatan Harapan MPs also urged Syed Saddiq to vacate his seat.

Despite the criticism, Syed Saddiq remains firm in his position. He has expressed his commitment to continue supporting institutional reforms despite Muda’s withdrawal from the unity government. The party believes that quitting the unity government is necessary to maintain the integrity of their ideals and principles. Syed Saddiq emphasized that he will become the “third force” and continue advocating for necessary changes in the political landscape.

It is worth noting that Syed Saddiq’s stance has sparked a divide among political commentators. Some argue that he should vacate the seat due to the electoral pact with Pakatan, while others contend that he has the right to retain his position as he has consistently championed his platform. The response to these differing opinions remains to be seen.