Syed Saddiq Will Not Join Tun Mahathir’s ‘Pejuang’ But Hints At Forming His Own Youth-Centred Political Party

Recently, former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamad launched a Malay-based political party, named Pejuang, in order to champion Malay rights and fight against corruption. In a press conference, Mahathir said,

“We are very aware that we are a multiracial country… This party will be inclusive and moderate and will demonstrate to the other ethnic groups that the Malays are not treasonous, that we keep our promises, and that we will not turn away sincere and principled cooperation.”

source: NST

Since then, many have speculated on whether or not ex-Youth Minister cum current Muar MP, Syed Saddiq, will be joining the political party. Throughout his entire political career, the minister has been very vocal on his support towards Tun Mahathir, even stating that despite anything that happens, he will continue to support the former PM.

Today, he told several members of the public over breakfast that he will not be joining the party. When asked about Pejuang, Syed Saddiq said,

“The time has come for other youth leaders who were with Bersatu before, who were axed or fired by the party, to be given another chance (through Pejuang). There are many of them who are better than me, such as Ustaz Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin, (former) Bersatu supreme council member Ulya Aqamah Husamudin – and these people were sacked by the party (Bersatu).

“Even though I have yet to join the party (Pejuang) and am still an Independent, nevertheless, I still back the Opposition bloc. Pejuang and I are still family, but at the same time, there are many young leaders out there who should be given the opportunity to lead the party.”

source: The Edge Markets

Syed Saddiq emphasised that he never got into politics as a means to seek power, but instead as a way to amplify the voices of the youths.

He hinted that, if necessary, he plans on building a new party centred around youths, but not youths-exclusive. The party will be multi-racial and completely in the hands of the Malaysian youths. Sounds good to me…