KUALA LUMPUR: In a podcast aired today and hosted by former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman spoke candidly, saying he has no regrets for stepping down as president of Muda last November.
"You held the position of Muda's president, serving as its founder and face. Then, you chose to resign upon facing charges.
You didn't have to. I wouldn't have resigned because I understand that in our country, actions are sometimes taken on political grounds. While principles are great and we should honour them but in certain instances you need to dispense with them for the greater good," Zaid queried Syed Saddiq during the podcast.
Zaid then inquired whether the party would have benefited had Syed Saddiq remained at its helm despite the charges.
In response, the Muar Member of Parliament expressed no regrets. "To be completely honest, if the party's success hinges solely on me, my political persona, and my seat, then not only has the party failed, but I too have failed as its founder and president. Any party built solely around one individual is bound to fail," he remarked.
Syed Saddiq acknowledged the differences between Malaysian and Western politics, noting the robust checks and balances, institutional governance, and practices in the latter.
"However, as an idealist and optimist, I hold myself to a higher standard. Is it politically advantageous or realistic? Perhaps not. It could be construed as naivety on my part.
However, I am young with a long journey ahead. If my career ends here, so be it. Malaysian politics and Malaysia itself are larger than any individual. What's done is done. I still have an opportunity to clear my name in a court of law, and I intend to do so. Until then, I believe Muda should continue to grow, and I will remain a loyal member," he affirmed.
In November last year, Syed Saddiq was sentenced to seven years jail and two strokes of the cane for charges of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property and two counts of money laundering.
He resigned as Muda president the following day.