Whatever happened to promises of reforms? Syed Saddiq asks activist-turned-deputy minister Adam Adli
PETALING JAYA, July 4 — Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman has today questioned Pakatan Harapan (PH) over its candidates’ promises of reforms during the 15th general election (GE15) campaigning.
His question was particularly directed to former activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim — who was actively involved in street protests fighting corruption issues and freedom of speech — and is now a deputy minister in the Anwar administration.
“I saw videos of the media asking him and he said ‘don’t reply with a question’. I have replied to his question, and now I would like to ask the same question [to him].
“Where is Adam Adli, the youth that we knew? Brave, to the extent of going to the streets to fight corruption. But now when they are in the seat of power, big-scale [investigations] are delayed indefinitely. Where is his voice?” Syed Saddiq told a press conference at the party’s headquarters here.
Syed Saddiq was responding to Adam, who had on Wednesday asked Muda to clarify if it is still backing the federal government coalition following its decision to contest in the coming six-state elections solo.
Syed Saddiq currently sits on the government bench in Parliament.
“When it comes to issues for us to defend the country's judicial institutions that goes beyond politics. When attacked repeatedly by the top leadership of the government, where is the voice to defend the judicial institution?
“When the LCS (littoral combat ship) corruption scandal that caused them to take to the streets, was made the main issue in the last general election, they said 'if we win we will throw this leaders in jail!'
“I, Syed Saddiq did not say to be sent to prison, I said to follow the rule of law, but now, there is silence. Where are these issues? Where are the promised reforms?” Syed Saddiq said.
Muda secretary-general Amir Abd Hadi similarly questioned the silence of Adam — especially when it came to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 — despite himself being a "victim" of the controversial law.
“Before this when I was outside [Malaysia], friends who led the demonstration on issues surrounding the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, among them were Adam Adli himself, Muda was also there, but when was appointed [as deputy minister] where is his voice?
“That is why we say that we have to go back to our priority... in facing the state elections the fundamental issue that will affect the people should be raised,” he said.
In addition, Syed Saddiq said Muda will only contest less than 10 per cent of seats in the state elections as its focus was to be an alternative so the people can deliver a clear and decisive wake-up call to the federal government.
“Muda's focus is to be the check and balance for the people and to extract political reforms which focus on the people. That means when we focus on building a multi-racial, multi-religious and moderate Malaysia. We want to work with those who believe in the same ideals.
“We have no problems losing or at the same time not being a part of any state government because what we want to focus on is to be the voice of conscience for the people,” he said.
