Barred from speaking, Syed Saddiq offers free debate classes

After being allegedly barred from speaking about debates, the Bersatu youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is now offering to conduct free debate classes.

In a statement today, he said he was stopped from speaking just 20 minutes before he was scheduled to take the stage to deliver a presentation on debating at the TEDx UMSKAL event, which was held at University of Malaysia Sabah’s Labuan campus.

“There is no political element, just knowledge and sharing of my personal experiences.

“I had flown here at my own expense, which is about a quarter of my salary, but my slot was cancelled at the last minute,” the award-winning debater said.

He said the organisers and university staff were gracious enough to fill his slot with a video of him instead, a gesture which he described as “meaningful.”

Nevertheless, he said he has grown tired of such incidents reoccurring.

“So it is time for solutions. For those who want free classes on debate, public speaking, and critical thinking, please contact me at syedsaddiq92@gmail.com.

“Just gather 20 or more people and I will come teach no matter where. Being an educator and a teacher has always been in my blood, and where there is a will, there will be a way,” he said.

Syed Saddiq was hailed as Asia’s best debater in 2015, after being named as the best speaker at United Asia Debate Championship that year. He also works as a part-time lecturer.

Malaysiakini has contacted UMSKAL director Murnizam Halik for comment, and is awaiting a response.

The Bersatu Youth leader also appealed to Higher Education Minister Idris Jusoh to intervene and ensure academic freedom, as well as to Youth and Sport Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar to speak up on the issue.

“Such hardships only strengthen my resolve that I am on the side of the righteous,” he said. - Mkini