Victory for Orang Asli youths in football match against Syed Saddiq

CAMERON POLLS | The Orang Asli youths at Kampung Leryar in Ringlet got a rare treat today after they got to play friendly football match with Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman when he came to Cameron Highlands to campaign in the by-election.

Some of the youths played on the same team as Syed Saddiq while others played against him on a field in their village, which had two goalposts constructed with bamboo sticks.

Syed Saddiq, who insisted on playing the game barefoot, spent most of the match chasing after the ball as the youths easily dribbled, headbutted and passed the ball to each other.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and the team playing against Syed Saddiq eventually won via a penalty shootout.

Syed Saddiq insisted to reporters that he did not come to Cameron Highlands in his capacity as the youth and sports minister, despite perception otherwise.

"I think what is most important is to strictly follow the guidelines set by the Election Commission.

"I did not use government machinery, I left the ministry's car behind and I drove my own.

"We do collaborate with NGOs who are already doing work with all sides," he said.

He also said that regardless of who wins the Cameron Highlands by-election, they must focus on working for the rakyat.

There is much development which can be done in the area, he said, specifically in terms of sports.

"For example, look at that football field here, they used bamboo to construct the goal posts.

"I think there is a lot which can be done, regardless of who wins, but something must be done," he said.

The Orang Asli from various villages in the area were gathered in Kampung Leryar today as there were several events being held there, such as a futsal and blowpipe competition, in addition to Syed Saddiq's visit. The events were organised by Majlis Belia Malaysia.

There was also a console gaming area set up in the kindergarten in the village, featuring three Sony Playstations 4 and a Nintendo Switch.

The Orang Asli children were very excited about the games, with the younger kids playing Mario Kart on the Switch and the older kids playing Fifa 2019 and Tekken 7 on the Playstations.

The kids were completely unfazed when the emcee announced Syed Saddiq's arrival in his personal Honda City car as they continued to focus on their games.

Meanwhile, the older Orang Asli went to greet the minister with a quick lesson in using the blowpipe.

Syed Saddiq then changed to his sports attire before they paused the futsal competition between the villages for him to have the ceremonial kick.

After that, one of the kids at the games console section was gracious enough to let Syed Saddiq briefly play a match of Fifa against another Orang Asli kid.

The Orang Asli responded warmly towards Saddiq throughout the event, gathering under the tent to listen to his brief speech before clamouring to take pictures and selfies with him.

He also sat with the village elders after the football match to talk to them and have some food together.

Kampung Leryar is just 600 metres down the road from Pos Menson, which is the hometown of BN candidate Ramli Mohd Nor.

Ramli had held a program at Pos Menson on Saturday, where his kin had said they were still wary of BN's broken promises despite being proud of his candidacy.

A day later, on Sunday, DAP's candidate M Manogaran had also visited Pos Menson, where many of the villagers seemed clueless about who he was. - Mkini