Syed Saddiq describes Tony Fernandes as an unsung hero

When a video of him praising former premier Najib Abdul Razak and an AirAsia aircraft with BN's election slogan surfaced, the airline's chief executive officer Tony Fernandes drew immense flak.

However, Pakatan Harapan lawmaker Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman described the tycoon as an unsung hero.

He said the AirAsia boss was pushed into a corner due to his actions as well as his refusal to sack Rafidah Aziz as chairperson for being critical of former premier Najib Abdul Razak.

"I'd like to share with you something I have been keeping to myself for a while now. I couldn't share it before because we were imprisoned by the politics of fear.

"Activist, politicians, and businessmen who were not in line with the ruling party's ideology were threatened and pushed to a corner.

"I must share this now as I can't stand witnessing a hero get wrongfully accused," he said.

"This is a story that many don't know. I had to keep it a secret, but in this new era, an era where your right to speak is being upheld, it is time for a change.

"This is about Tony Fernandes," he added in a statement.

Discounted flights

According to Syed Saddiq, Fernandes was among the first to help Muhyiddin Yassin when the latter was "punished for speaking the truth to power". 

"(Fernandes) was once again a hero when AirAsia offered discounted flights and added flights during the election period.

"This infuriated some people in Najib's circle. It became worse when Parti Warisan Sabah uploaded a poster thanking this move as it meant that more Warisan supporters can fly back home to vote.

"It didn’t stop there. He refused to fire Rafidah after she spoke openly against Najib Razak despite being pressured to do so.

"Those actions came with a cost and he has to pay for it," said Syed Saddiq.

'People can criticise the gov't now!'

He said that Fernandes was then pushed into a corner and was compelled to state his support for Najib. 

"He had to take a video and his staffs had to change their uniforms. Pictures of the whole event were taken without the right context.

"Please Malaysia, don’t label him as a pengkhianat (traitor). This story is based on my own personal knowledge.

"Tony has helped us from the start, but can’t disclose it to the public due to the fear of repression. I leave it to the Malaysian people to judge," he said. 

Syed Saddiq, who is now the Muar MP, said his promise to Malaysia was that the public now can openly criticise the government and that businessmen are free to support any sides without fear of persecution. 

"Happy new Malaysia everyone. Malaysia now belongs to the Rakyat. Thank you Tan Sri Tony Fernandez.

"Keep on making Malaysia great!"

Attempts to reach out to Fernandes for comments have been unsuccessful. - Mkini