In the run-up to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) general assembly, Armada chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman tells NASHARUDDIN MUHAMMAD and IRWAN SHAFRIZAN ISMAIL the party has a strict policy when it comes to accepting Umno defectors
Question: Could you explain a little about Armada’s preparations for the general assembly?
Answer: About 800 delegates from the Armada wing will attend the assembly on Dec 28. We will have our own convention before the general assembly. I would speak on the way forward for Armada in the current political landscape and Armada being the main pillar for the youth and younger generation. We will invite ambassadors and young representatives from non-governmental organisations to share their thoughts and to collaborate. Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will deliver a speech for Armada as he has always stressed the importance of youth in Bersatu.
Q: What is the thrust or issues that will be put forward by Armada?
A: Many issues concerning this will be discussed such as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), affordable homes, dignified Malay identity, which must be embedded in youth because we want to stress a leadership with honour, integrity and efficiency in managing and developing the country. There will also be other issues. One of them is Bersatu being labelled Umno 2.0. Armada is against the admission of former Umno members into Bersatu. There are strict processes for admission such as declaration of assets... the same process must be carried out on them, especially those who are members of parliament. Secondly, they must express their regret because we want people to understand when we won the 14th General Election, the people were with us and we want to make sure that those (Umno defectors) are trustworthy and have integrity. We will not betray the people.
The people’s aspirations are our main focus. These defectors must not have criminal or a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) record. Most importantly, they must understand Bersatu’s fight. I’m really worried if we accept their admission superficially, then the money politics culture and old politics will continue and in the end, Bersatu will become like Umno. That is why I’m stressing that we will not be Umno 2.0. The future and the role of youth should not be ignored. Never ignore the role of youth in Bersatu as the strength of the party comes from youth leadership.
Q: Why didn’t Bersatu ban membership for Umno defectors like PKR?
A: Whether we accept them or not, it is up to the party’s leadership. Like I said before, there are several issues we have to stress and fine-tune so that Bersatu’s culture can continue.
There will be many who want to join the party, but we will not accept them. As long as nothing affects the party (ex-Umno members’ admission), we will strive forward.
Q: What if there are Umno Youth members who want to join Armada?
A: As I said before, if they express regret and when they join the party, they must let go all of their old cultures and be together with us without thinking about positions and wealth, and focus on the fight of the party. If they can do that, Armada’s doors will always be open.
Q: How will you ensure you will lead Armada into the future?
A: Firstly, the slogan “dare to be truthful” (berani kerana benar) must be the backbone of the party and Armada as it plays an important role in shaping Bersatu. Armada has a candidate who was represented in Pakatan Harapan’s Presidential Council.
This is a big recognition for Armada. This will ensure that youth issues will not be forgotten in PH.
Being Armada chief and also the vice-president of Bersatu is a great recognition. We are not only a wing, but can manoeuvre the aspirations of Bersatu. The majority of Bersatu members are youths. When there is any youth-related issue, Armada will come forward and fight.
Q: This is Bersatu’s first general assembly after PH won Putrajaya. What is the difference this time compared with the time being in the opposition?
A: We are thinking like a government now, but working as hard as when we were the opposition. I think that is important. The best way to understand the aspirations of the people is to go down to the ground, discuss and understand their problems and voice out their thoughts and visions. Every day, we have programmes. Not just any programmes, we have to carry out programmes to raise funds, for example, watch football together as it is the best way to get close to the people.
Q: Bersatu’s strength is seen in the leadership of Dr Mahathir. So what is the way forward after his era?
A: I have seen many leaderships in Bersatu. If we look at the role played by (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin), he is the “administrator” of the party. Tun (Dr Mahathir) has helped greatly in PH, but the one who moves the machinery, plans programmes, goes down to the ground is Muhyiddin. He has played an integral role.
The same goes for Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir. I’m really happy that the younger generation is strong.
Bersatu’s leadership is not only made up of Dr Mahathir’s leadership and characteristics and Muhyiddin’s, but there is also a younger generation of leaders.
Q: Armada is confident about its young leaders’ potential, but how do you ensure that they don’t cut in between of others to achieve something (budaya cantas)?
A: I will not allow this to happen in Armada. There was a scuffle previously in Armada. The uniqueness of Armada is our unity. We would unanimously reject anyone. We can unilaterally remove an Armada division chief. We do not practise policies such as getting permission from me first before issuing any statements, members are free to do so. What is important is that they can work for the people. That is why even with difficult issues like PTPTN, the youths have to voice out and raise this in the cabinet and resolve it. Armada is the voice of the youth, we can’t be afraid.
Q: Muhyiddin has said among the main issues that will be brought up in the general assembly is safeguarding the Bumiputera agenda. What about Armada?
A: Yes, correct because it is in our Federal Constitution and it will be safeguarded like what it was agreed not only by Bersatu leaders, but also the PH leadership.
At the same time, we want to make sure leaders do not abuse their power.
There is no point talking about safeguarding the Constitution, but at the back, stealing money from Felda and Tabung Haji, and shouting “Hidup Melayu”. What people want or the Malays want is a trustworthy Malay leadership that can shape the country’s future.
That is important because we do not want the past to repeat itself. When people look at Malay leadership, they will know that it can shape the country’s future.
That’s what we want.
Q: Will Bersatu open its membership to other races, or will it remain a Malay and Bumiputera-based party?
A: At the moment, the most important thing is to fight for the future of the country and issues that are close to the people’s hearts, and to win back the confidence of the Malays. The Constitution will be safeguarded. We don’t want to become like the United States where they elected Barack Obama as their president in 2008 and in the next general election, Donald Trump was elected. That is why we have to know the political trends of the time.
Q: Bersatu had accepted those who jumped parties. Does this affect ties with other component parties?
A: As I said before, thieves and robbers will not be accepted into the party. Even if someone is able to join the party, police and MACC cases on them will not be dropped. Uniquely, in the era of New Malaysia, even if there are some hands trying to interfere, the attorney-general is free, MACC will report to Parliament. I think there is no compromise.
Now, we don’t know which Umno parliamentarian will leave. Talk of us trying to stop Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from becoming prime minister, I don’t agree. We never thought about trying to increase more seats in Parliament but are focusing on how to serve and ensure the Malays are confident in the PH leadership.
Q: What is your hope for Armada at the general assembly?
A: Armada must continue to voice out, be clear and be truthful. Whatever happens, don’t be apologetic in defending the future of youths. They have to be moved to be the backbone of the country. Past aspirations will be continued, don’t be blinded by money and power, as power is in the hands of the people.