Unmet promises risk youth support: Syed Saddiq to Adam Adli

 

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has warned Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim that support for future young leaders could be at stake due to current failures to address youth-related issues.

Describing the PKR Youth chief as a friend, Syed Saddiq, a former youth and sports minister during Pakatan Harapan’s first stint in Putrajaya, recalled how they worked together in the government as well as in street demonstrations.

“He is not only a friend, but even prior to me joining politics, he is a figure who I respect, when we were down on the streets to protest, and then when in government, I also supported various demands for change,” he said in an interview with Mingguan Malaysia.

Syed Saddiq pointed out that Harapan under then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad suspended the use of the Sedition Act in 2018 pending its repeal.

“But unfortunately, today, that (moratorium) has changed, with multiple ‘U-turns’.

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“I am worried because when there are youth leaders in government being seen as icons and role models, if they can’t fulfil promises made, the people will get fed up and no longer want to support other young leaders,” stressed the former Muda president.

“In the past, you (Adam) said you will fight on the issue of PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation student loans), but these days no more comments,” he said.

Syed Saddiq was asked his views on leaders who were activists and opposition MPs who stood on the frontlines of protests demanding reforms but are now “silent” once elected into government.

“We must defend the future of youths who are a part of the ‘sandwich generation’ being pressed from above and below.

“If we don’t dare to defend their future, the country’s future will be at stake,” he said.

For the record, Pakatan Rakyat, which consisted of PKR, DAP, and PAS, promised to abolish PTPTN loans in its election manifesto in 2013.

Harapan, consisting of PKR, DAP, Bersatu, and Amanah, then amended the promise in its 2018 general election manifesto to allow deferment of PTPTN loan repayment for those earning less than RM4,000 a month.

Last month, Deputy Higher Education Minister Mustapha Sakmud said it is difficult for the government to waive PTPTN loan repayments amid the country’s financial situation. - Mkini