US Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is on my list today as the most outstanding young politician anywhere in the world. At least, for now, and until the Republican nominee is chosen.
I have followed Vivek quite closely on his campaign trail over the past few months via his numerous interviews on the main American TV networks, podcasts, talk shows, fundraisers and the Republican debate.
At 38 years old, and possibly one of the youngest presidential candidates in recent decades, I am prepared to describe the son of migrants from India as truly “one of a kind and in a league of his own”.
Vivek, a biotech entrepreneur and author, emerged from nowhere to grab the attention of the Republican Party with his sound articulation of issues plus his quick thinking and wit.
A person who speaks fast also thinks fast. Vivek seems to have an answer to every issue; even senior news anchors could not trap him into saying something which could land him in trouble.
This is how good Vivek is. He is not only good, but Vivek is brilliant. I am impressed. He has won me over.
Although I consider myself more of a liberal and do not share Vivek’s conservative values, however, I also find his advocacy on many issues appealing. Yes, I’m in Vivek’s camp and I’m prepared to overlook the nitty gritty differences.
I don’t think the young Asian American will beat Republican frontrunner and former President Donald Trump for the party’s ticket in 2024. Nevertheless, Vivek has already cut a huge impression in American politics.
I am always happy to see confident, smart and secure young men and women emerge in the political arena. The young who are intelligent, hard-working, knowledgeable and humble will have my support.
Syed Saddiq’s potential
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is one such young politician who has a bright future in Malaysian politics provided he listens more and refrains from making important decisions when he is emotionally charged.
I, for one, am prepared to invest in young politicians who can help cultivate a strong pipeline of future leaders who can continue to bring fresh ideas and energy into politics for years to come.
I might not be impressed with Syed Saddiq nor agree with some of his views and actions in the past and present. However, that has not stopped me from hoping deep down that Muda and its leaders and members will be able to make an impact in Malaysian politics in the foreseeable future.
Looking back, I thought Syed Saddiq made the right move in setting up Muda instead of joining Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pejuang in 2020.
Clinging onto the grand old man and his regularly changing political platforms cannot be the answer to Syed Saddiq’s aspirations for Malaysian politics, not forgetting his ambition too.
Syed Saddiq needs a permanent platform and the new, fresh and vibrant Muda is certainly a more suitable, if not the perfect, vehicle for him and his team to pursue what they believe is the best for the future of the nation and people.
I’m prepared to state that I quietly supported Muda in the state elections last month. Partly because it’s in my nature to support the underdog but also because I agree with the party that the two big coalitions should not be allowed to dominate the electoral process.
It must also be emphasised that some of Muda's candidates are young, disciplined and forthright aspiring politicians who deserve to be given a chance to prove themselves.
Overall, I think that Syed Saddiq has done a great job in leading Muda into the state elections although the results for the party were disappointing, but not unexpected.
Emulate Vivek
Syed Saddiq should study closely Vivek’s traits and attributes, his campaign style, speeches, interviews, and debates and why he was able to keep his numbers surging at the polls.
Just imagine this - the young upstart, virtually a nobody five months ago, has now left senior Republicans like former vice-president Mike Pence and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie trailing behind.
I wish to see Syed Saddiq think big and far like Vivek who is gunning to be the leader of the free world and to be the most powerful man in the world.
Vivek has already prepared himself mentally to face President Xi Jinping and knows exactly how he would handle the powerful Chinese leader if he were elected the US president. That’s thinking and planning way ahead!
Syed Saddiq should think along that premise and talk about bigger and more important issues rather than indulging in the same silly politicking with people whom he probably begrudged as having ignored him and Muda.
That’s all about the big ego, Syed Saddiq. That’s very ordinary. I expect more from you. Be extraordinary, think big and think way ahead.
Make better decisions
Making a hue-and-cry about Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s court discharge and using that to move to the opposition bloc is immature and irrational. It also smacks of extreme self-congratulatory which has been noticeable, if you must know, Syed Saddiq.
You claimed principles for your stand which, to me, is hollow as you have not brought up the open secrets of billions being looted allegedly by some ‘Tuns’, including one from my homeland of Sarawak.
Syed Saddiq, you talk about the laws being abused; yet you refuse to acknowledge that the Attorney-General's Chambers has disclosed in detail the reasons Zahid was discharged, not acquitted.
If Vivek were a Malaysian politician and gunning to be the prime minister, I doubt he would be taking on politicians who are way past their shelf life or waste precious time planning a street protest over one little court ruling which displeases him.
No, Vivek will not indulge in such petty matters. He will want to think big and work smart.
Thinking big in politics provides the vision and inspiration needed for significant change, while working smart ensures that these aspirations are translated into practical, effective and sustainable actions.
Combining these two principles can lead to successful and impactful political leadership.
Syed Saddiq, think big and work smart like Vivek. This is only an advice. It’s your call. - Mkini
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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