Saddiq: Malaysians not stupid, youths will block return to political patronage

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman said Malaysians are not stupid and the youths, in particular, will fight any attempt to bring back the culture of political patronage.

Syed Saddiq was asked to respond to Bersatu vice-president Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman who, in a thinly veiled jab at the Bersatu Youth chief, said it was "stupid" for the party not to use government resources to retain power. 

"I can tell you that Malaysian citizens are not stupid and on this particular issue, I am against it and I am very sure the top leadership of the party will be against it as well," he told journalists after attending a "Street Dakwah" event organised by National Association of Malaysian Muslim Students (PKPIM).

Syed Saddiq noted that after Rashid's comments, several quarters had come out to criticise, in particular, youth groups including Bersatu Youth as well as the youth wings of other Pakatan Harapan partners. 

"As soon as the statement was made yesterday, the top leadership of Bersatu Youth came out with a statement stating our stance.

"Almost all the youth chiefs of the component Harapan parties are also with us," he said. 

Syed Saddiq added that he believed the youths will play an important role in preventing a slide to the old ways under Umno.

"I have a feeling the youths are the future and I believe that the change in mindset will happen if we do it right," he said.

Asked to comment on various calls for Rashid to resign all government and party positions, Syed Saddiq said it was a matter to be discussed by the Bersatu presidential council.

"But I have already stated my objection on the issue," he said.

PKPIM, in conjunction with the New Year's Eve celebration, had protested against "free sex".

Syed Saddiq, who attended the event, said the protest suited the theme of "Street Dakwah" event which was organised by the Muslim students' group. - Mkini