PETALING JAYA: Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has pledged to work diligently to hold the government accountable after the party chose to join the Opposition as a third force. He acknowledged that the road ahead would be challenging and lonely.
Syed Saddiq, who is also the Muar MP, stated that the decision to leave the unity government in favor of becoming the third force in the political landscape of the country had been a difficult one. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to act due to the continuous violation of red lines by the unity government, with the most significant breach being the Attorney General’s decision to seek a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on corruption charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
The DNAA was regarded as a clear red line, according to Syed Saddiq. He expressed concern that this case was merely the start of numerous instances where reforms would be abandoned due to political interference. He shared these thoughts during a virtual town hall session on Sunday, shortly after Muda announced its departure from the unity government.
Syed Saddiq contended that the outdated political system, weak checks and balances, and lack of separation of powers facilitated the recurrence of the same issues, regardless of which coalition rose to power. The nation’s journey towards integrity had been obstructed by an antiquated political system, and the unity government failed to address this due to contradictory actions.
Although Syed Saddiq recognized that the path ahead would be lonely and arduous, he remained confident that by adhering to principles and striving to strengthen public institutions, the nation could heal and progress with dignity and integrity. This was the main reason behind the party’s decision to leave the unity government.
As an effective Opposition, Syed Saddiq affirmed his commitment to play his role immediately. He also pledged Muda’s support for the unity government in areas such as institutional reforms that require a two-thirds vote in the Dewan Rakyat.
Crucial reforms, including amending the Federal Constitution to grant automatic citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreigners, will receive Muda’s backing in Parliament.
His primary focus in Parliament would be to hold the government accountable, and he expressed his determination to work hard towards this goal. Syed Saddiq acknowledged that his decision to join the Opposition may be politically disadvantageous, but he believed it was better to uphold his principles than to abandon them for personal gain.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
