Angry at Syed Saddiq, Bersatu division chiefs discuss his ouster

Bersatu division chiefs have discussed ousting youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman following his ticking off of members for demanding government resources to benefit the party. 

Leaked communications show Bersatu division leaders chastising the youth wing, which is officially referred to as Armada.

"Syed Saddiq must atone for his sins for embarrassing Bersatu and apologise openly to Federal Territories Bersatu and division chiefs.

"I vow to mobilise nationwide to reject Saddiq, God willing," said one division chief.

During the Bersatu annual general assembly on Sunday, Syed Saddiq singled out the Federal Territories Bersatu representative for demanding contracts and positions, and for claiming that he had been promised these by a minister. 

An exasperated Syed Saddiq slammed the delegate, and warned that this could court the attention of the MACC.

"I felt like getting up at the time and giving the insolent kid a slap," said another division leader.

Shortly after Syed Saddiq's speech, Bersatu vice-president Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, in a veiled jab, said that the view that the party should avoid using government resources to retain power was "stupid." 

He also declared that Bersatu must win "by hook or by crook."

However, Bersatu Youth leaders later came out to denounce Rashid and defend Syed Saddiq's position.

"Armada's insolence in challenging the division chiefs has gone overboard. Armada does not know who they are challenging.

"Syed Saddiq has failed to educate them. I would like to see how Armada can mobilise without resources," a division chief said in the leaked communications.

Other Bersatu division chief also took to social media to vent their anger at Syed Saddiq, who is the youth and sports minister. 

Bandar Tun Razak Bersatu chief Mohd Shahni Ismail, in a Facebook posting, slammed Syed Saddiq for appointing AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes as the Malaysia Stadium Corporation chairperson instead of someone from the party. 

"Congratulations, Syed Saddiq, for his concept of equality and integrity by appointing Tony Fernandes to lead the Malaysia Stadium Corporation.

"Qualified Bersatu leaders cannot be appointed chairperson because they often ask for contracts," he said sarcastically.

Bantura said Bersatu is a "hardcore Malay party" and does not need to apologise for being Malay or defending the community.

"If Syed Saddiq has other ideas, then he should join PKR," he said.  - Mkini