PETALING JAYA, Sept 7 (Sin Chew Daily) – Syed Saddiq, who used to be the youngest minister in the country's history, has recently come into limelight for proposing to set up a new party by the youth and for the youth.

Saddiq has opted not to join the new party set up by his mentor, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but has announced that he will form a policy-driven multiracial party dominated by young people, which he said would redraw the country's political map one day, although it may not be widely acceptable by Malaysians now.

During an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily at his home in Petaling Jaya, Saddiq said it is now time to change the country's political map.

He said we must not go the old way but embrace diversity in order to build a Malaysia for all Malaysians.

"Pluralism is a responsibility, especially for young Malaysians."

Saddiq admitted that his plan to set up a new youth party has met with skepticism.

"Some feel the objective is too ideal because in the end all the decisions will still be made by the majority race. This country is still not ready for a multiracial party!

"If this is the case, then it is more urgent for us now to set up a multiracial party led by the young people in order to convince others to join us."

He said politics should not be just about pleasing the voters and taking the short cut to win their support.

"We have the same kinds of leaders, parties, system and power structure for the past 63 years. Even though Pakatan Harapan ended BN's rule in the 2018 general elections, the coalition failed to seize the opportunity to bring about reforms.

"The new party is not just for young politicians but also young technocrats and professionals from very diverse backgrounds."

He said these young people will collectively form a powerful force to upend the existing political structure of the country.

Even though the new party will be led by young people, Syed Saddiq said it would not turn away older people.

"The party has no age limit and is open to everyone. However, it will be led by the young to ensure young people get the opportunity.

"We are not just fighting for young people, but young people will fight for all Malaysians! We have the obligation to take care of the old people regardless of race and religion."

Government change not sufficient

"France used to be run by the same few political parties until  Emmanuel Macron came up with La République En Marche party and upended the French politics.

"Although it is a party led by young people, it was overwhelmingly supported by the older people in the election because the party took care of the welfare of old people as well."

Saddiq admitted that it would not be enough just to change the government in order to alter Malaysia's political structure.

"We need a complete overhaul in order to survive. We must break the old ways and do what we never did before."

He asserted that his new party must be policy-driven.

"We must not just look at race and religion but overlook the policy.

"We have been emphasizing 'Malay supremacy' for the past 63 years but but have not really explored how policy could solve our problems!"

He said Pakatan Harapan had focused too much on racial and religious controversies and overlooked economic reforms during its 22-month rule.

"If we focus more on economic reforms and redistribution of wealth to create new economic and job opportunities, I believe many rural Malays will support us.

"This is what we must do!"

Syed Saddiq declined to reveal further details and exactly when his new party will be formed, but said "soon".

He said he had contacted many interested young people, including current and former GLC leaders, young farmers, orangaslis and teachers, many with no previous political involvement.

He said it would take time for him to persuade rural Malay voters to accept his party.

"I'll tell them, yes, it's a multiracial party. And yes, we are young, but we are willing to defend your rights."

'I tried to stop them!'

When asked why he did not join Mahathir's Pejuang but opted to form a new party himself, Saddiq said, "You should pose this question to Tun, not me!

"He has his views, and I have mine. I wish him all the best!"

He also said he would consult everyone, including Tun Mahathir and the media, and hear from them because "in the end I hope it will be a party that accommodates everyone and not just represent the interest of a handful of people."

Talking about the Sheraton Move, he said, "We started discussing this in December. I would tell them each time, no, we must not betray the voters' mandate. If the Malays don't like us, we'll face it in the election, and if we lose, we should be out. We never use this easy way to collude with Umno and PAS and betray our old friends just to make ourselves popular, forgetting who have actually given us that power.

"I tried my best to stop them but failed.

"People will ask why should we vote? In Sabah, a state government with two-thirds majority could also collapse because of 13 assemblymen jumping ship."

Saddiq said the offer was very attractive, and he could still be minister and Youth chairman if he said yes.

"But, where is my heart? I would betray my principle of joining politics. Politics is about conscience and principle, not power and money!"