KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is claiming that certain demands made by Tengku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim are the reasons behind his frosty relationship with the latter.
Syed Saddiq alleged that the demands were made both before and after the 14th General Elections last year.
Among them was allegedly a request for the cancellation of Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Lucas Matthysse in July.
“He (Tunku Ismail) was someone I was close to, especially before the elections,” the minister told a press conference in Putrajaya today.
“Before the elections, there were specific demands which he made that I could not fulfil.
“These demands were political in nature, which made me immensely uncomfortable.
“I had to deliver the decision to him that I could not (fulfil them). I had to stick firm to my beliefs and principles.
“If you notice, the day I announced my candidacy in Muar was the day he released the open letter asking Johoreans and Malaysians to not change ships and to stick with Umno-Barisan Nasional.
“After the elections, we met up twice and there were also some specific demands made which I could not fulfil because I personally believe in not interfering in business and bringing specific demands which may rattle the sports scene.
“If you want to look deep into it, look at the hosting of Pacquiao’s boxing match and the demands for (its) last minute cancellation.”
Syed Saddiq stressed that calling off the fight would have caused severe implications.
Numerous dignitaries, including Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, attended the bout, which gained worldwide media interest.
“It (cancellation) would have caused a diplomatic crisis because six ministers were involved, including the president of the Philippines,” added Saddiq.
“Tens of millions of (ringgit) in investment (was at stake) because it was set to be televised live on 100 international channels.
“Despite all this, there were specific demands for it to be cancelled. Ask the organisers, ask Manny Pacquiao himself.
“You can also ask Datuk Zaiton Othman. Datuk Zaiton and myself went to mengadap (audience) because we still had to be courteous and explain.”
Syed Saddiq made it clear that serving the rakyat and sticking to his principles remained his main priority, instead of pleasing certain parties.
“Being young, I personally believe that if I do not stick to politik khidmat then I ill lose myself very early on and for the sake of what? To appeal to specific groups?
“The very reason I joined politics was to clean up politics, clean up Malaysia and to ensure that youth interests will be represented.
“I still humbly respect him (Tunku Ismail) as the future sultan of Johor but the disagreements we have will be there.
“In the end, the rakyat will forever be my priority.”