KUALA LUMPUR – Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has rejected calls from critics urging him to relinquish the parliamentary seat after his departure from the unity government in Parliament.
The Muda president argued that he has remained steadfast in upholding the promises made to voters during last year’s general election.
“The people chose the ruling party candidates based on their principle to fight against corruption.
“I have always remained consistent with my principles since day one and will continue to do so, unlike the current MPs in the government coalition.
“Those who criticise me should look at themselves in the mirror and see what they stand for now. They should stop being hypocritical, and if they believe that I should vacate my seat, they should be the first ones to do so for not living up to their principles,” Syed Saddiq said via his Facebook livestream.
The Muda president indicated that he would not make way for a by-election in Muar after some participants asked him whether he would vacate the seat.
He further highlighted his disappointment with the current government’s alleged interference in dropping 47 charges against Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the deputy prime minister’s Yayasan Akalbudi graft case.
“I am deeply disappointed with the government’s interference in Datuk Seri Zahid’s case. This contradicts the principles we have advocated for years. They have long championed a clean and impartial judicial system, but now they are reneging on their own commitments,” he lamented.
“There is an urgent need for a separation of powers in my beloved country. We must modernise this outdated system. Despite facing an ongoing corruption charge myself, I have confronted it head-on and appeared in court without seeking favours from anyone within the ruling government.”
Saddiq concluded: “This is only the beginning, as we can expect more cases where corruption charges are dropped due to political interference.”
Earlier today, Syed Saddiq officially announced his departure from the Madani government.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke reminded the Muda president that his election victory in Muar was not solely due to his merits, as it was supported by Pakatan Harapan.
Loke’s remarks came after Syed Saadiq criticised DAP as being a “lapdog” to Zahid. – September 10, 2023