Syed Saddiq's brother joins Umno, wants to do his part for Malaysia

Bersatu lawmaker Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's brother Syed Abdullah has joined Umno, describing it as the most stable platform to do his part for the nation.

Syed Abdullah (above, 2nd from left) confirmed that he had joined Umno in a text message to Malaysiakini this afternoon.

“I find Umno to be the most stable and economically helpful towards our country and I would like to do my part for Malaysia.

“My choice to join Umno was not influenced by social media, friends or family. This is my own choice,” he added.

Responding to a question, Syed Abdullah, who holds an aerospace engineering degree from the United States, said he does not foresee his decision causing a rift in the family.

“My choice in joining Umno will not affect my relationship with my family. As they are a priority, I will always support my (younger) brother,” he added.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth exco Shahrul Nasrun Kamaruddin said Syed Abdullah's decision to join Umno showed that the party is still relevant to the youth.

Syed Saddiq (photo), who was the youth and sports minister before the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government on Feb 24, has been a staunch critic of Umno.

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, the Bersatu MP expressed disappointment with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu's president, had formed a new coalition comprising lawmakers from his party, Umno, BN, PAS and GPS to form the Perikatan Nasional government.

Syed Saddiq is one of those in Bersatu who remain loyal to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“He (Muhyiddin) is like a father to me. One of the reasons why I joined politics was because of him. He was one of the people who spoke up against a global kleptocrat, who was sacked by his party (Umno) for speaking up against global kleptocrats.

“I joined his party (Bersatu) as one of the co-founders. My mother was threatened, she was a teacher, and she was threatened by the government then […]

“What truly disappoints me is that today, my very own leader, my 'father', decided to open the door of Malaysian government and democracy to the same kleptocrats that threatened me (and) my family, who sacked him and threatened his family. And now (he has) aligned himself (to them),” he said in the interview. - Mkini