KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he still supports the unity government despite his criticisms of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
“There are so many things that I have consistently raised but while I have raised these, did I say I was going to withdraw support (for the unity government)? No,” Syed Saddiq was quoted as saying in a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) report on Friday (Jul 21).
“So, will I continue to do that? Yes, because I am here because of the people and I owe a duty to my constituents to speak up to ensure that Malaysia becomes a developed country.”
Defending his criticisms of the government, the Muar Member of Parliament (MP) reportedly stressed that it is an essential part of building a mature democracy.
He added that the issues he had raised were of genuine concern such as unequal constituency allocations, the centralisation of power and the extension of contracts without parliamentary approval.
“To be honest, these are constructive criticisms which come attached with policy solutions,” he reportedly said.
When asked if MUDA candidates for the upcoming state elections have been instructed to avoid speaking on any topics, Syed Saddiq said that nominees have been told not to touch on hyper-racial and religious policies or resort to character assassination.
“Focus on policies, policies, policies and policies. That should be the ultimate priority. Criticise and talk about what we can offer better,” he was quoted as saying by FMT.
Six states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan – will be holding their state polls concurrently on Aug 12. The by-election for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat will also be held the same day.
According to FMT, Syed Saddiq said that he remains undeterred by United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) communication director Lokman Noor Adam’s criticism of him, adding that he will continue to speak up and provide feedback to the unity government.
In a Utusan Malaysia report on Wednesday, Mr Lokman claimed that the MUDA president’s remarks against Mr Anwar were borne out of disappointment that Pakatan Harapan (PH) had not allocated seats to his party in the upcoming state elections.
Mr Lokman reportedly said that it would be “more honourable” if Syed Saddiq, who seems to “act like the opposition”, leaves the unity government and charts his own course for MUDA.
Syed Saddiq had earlier criticised Mr Anwar’s claim that the ministers in his administration are not involved in corruption.
Source: CNA
