Latest news with #SyedSaddiq
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Gathering on assembly law reform turns tense in brief standoff with cops
Rallygoers were involved in a brief standoff with police outside Parliament this morning. KUALA LUMPUR : A gathering calling for the abolition of the Sedition Act and the reform of the Peaceful Assembly Act turned a little tense when a participant was allegedly manhandled by a policeman outside Parliament this morning. Student group Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia (Haram) president Brendon Gan, who witnessed the incident, claimed that a policeman grabbed a demonstrator by the neck during a standoff at the barricade. 'Who gave the cops the right to do that?' he asked. 'If it wasn't for YB Syed Saddiq who came to help, who knows what would've happened?,' he said, referring to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. FMT has contacted the police for comment. The incident occurred as about 50 demonstrators – from electoral reform group Bersih, rights group Suaram, student groups, unions, and several civil society organisations – marched from Taman Tugu to Parliament to hand over a memorandum demanding reforms. They were stopped in the middle of the road by policemen who prevented them from reaching Parliament's gates. Protesters, some of whom turned up as early as 10.30pm despite the downpour, chanted 'long live the people, rise up against oppressive laws!' while beating drums and holding up banners that read 'fight draconian legislation'. The crowd was later met by several MPs and representatives, including Syed Saddiq; Perikatan Nasional's Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal; Teresa Kok, Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Dr Kelvin Yii, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and Khoo Poay Tiong from Pakatan Harapan; as well as Warisan's Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis. Addressing the crowd, Wan Fayhsal and the other MPs in attendance expressed support for the protesters. 'If I, as a parliamentarian with immunity, can be punished for speaking out, imagine the risks faced by citizens. I will ensure your voices reach the Dewan Rakyat,' Wan Fayhsal said. Yii, the Bandar Kuching MP from DAP, reaffirmed the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, saying it had long been part of Malaysia's democratic tradition. He urged the authorities not to suppress such gatherings but to instead 'facilitate them better', 'A bill will be tabled to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act,' he said. 'I haven't seen the final draft yet, but once I do, I will study it to ensure it includes the necessary reforms. 'Regardless of whether we agree with the message of a demonstration, we must respect their right to assemble.' Several other speakers criticised the government for failing to deliver on its promises to abolish the Sedition Act and ensure meaningful reform of public assembly laws. 'This is not the first time we've submitted a memorandum calling for the Sedition Act to be abolished,' said Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz. 'We've done it before. Today, we are here to demand that the government listens and acts.' Qistina Johari of Amnesty International Malaysia said peaceful assemblies and freedom of speech were being treated as 'a threat' by the authorities. 'Protests are not criminal. Protests are patriotic,' she said. 'The Sedition Act should have been abolished along with the British Empire — instead it's still being used to protect the powerful.'
Malaysiakini
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Unequal constituency allocations and what it means for democracy
LETTER | The recent news about Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman receiving only RM200,000 for his constituency - and with stringent conditions limiting its use to office expenses - is more than just a budgetary issue. It's a reflection of a political system still grappling with deep-seated practices of patronage and partisan control. We must understand: this isn't simply about numbers. It's about the way resources are distributed - often not based on need or merit, but on political allegiance. And that's a problem, because when fairness gives way to favouritism, when democracy is shadowed by partisanship, the people - the very heart of our nation - are the ones who lose. When Pakatan Harapan, including DAP, was in government, there was a promise - a commitment - to break these old patterns. They spoke of transparency, of equitable funding regardless of political stripes. Yet, as we see in Muar, these reforms are still works in progress. Entrenched systems don't change overnight. They test our patience and challenge our resolve. But make no mistake: when opposition MPs are restricted to spending their limited funds on office costs alone, unable to invest in public welfare or community development, the consequences are real and felt. It hinders their ability to serve constituents effectively and weakens the bond between elected leaders and the people they represent. This isn't just about politics. It's about community. About trust. About whether Malaysians feel their voices matter, regardless of the party they support. When political funding becomes a tool for division rather than unity, cynicism grows, and engagement falters. Syed Saddiq's creative efforts to raise funds outside of government channels show the spirit of resilience and dedication that inspires hope. But no one should have to carry that burden alone. Our democracy calls on us to do better. To build systems that empower every representative to serve their people fully and fairly. Only then can we build a Malaysia where fairness isn't an ideal, but a reality; where unity isn't just a slogan, but a shared experience. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Syed Saddiq gets RM200k Muar allocation with strict condition
MUAR: Muar member of parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announced that his parliamentary constituency has finally received an allocation of RM200,000 after more than 500 days of negotiations. However, he said the allocation came with strict conditions and was limited to administrative purposes only, such as office rent, staff salaries, equipment, and office management. "The allocation cannot be used for any welfare aid, infrastructure improvements, or any form of contribution to the people. "It will be fully audited, and I agree 100 per cent," he said in a Facebook post yesterday. Syed Saddiq also compared the allocation received by government MPs, who receive up to RM20 million for one term, with Muar, which has so far only received RM200,000. Syed Saddiq, who has returned to attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting as the Muar MP, also stressed that his attendance at the Dewan Rakyat and parliamentary committees is 100 per cent. Despite facing official allocation constraints, he said he would continue to work hard and find new initiatives to raise funds to help the people of Muar. "In the past six months alone, through various new efforts, I have managed to contribute more than RM2 million for the welfare of the people of Muar through my own efforts. "Alhamdulillah, I will continue these efforts. One door closes, ten more open," he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Syed Saddiq pledges all modelling earnings to Muar constituents
KUALA LUMPUR: Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has reaffirmed his commitment to donating every single penny earned from his work as a model or campaign ambassador directly to support the welfare of his constituents. In a news report yesterday, the 32-year-old politician shared that he carefully reviews every offer he receives, especially contracts involving collaborations with various parties. "Every single sen earned through these contracts is channelled entirely towards the welfare of the Muar community," he said in the report. "Whatever the endeavour, I undertake this with a clear intention, and that is for the people's well-being. That's my main focus." He added that when deals are secured through agencies, there are often restrictions, such as being unable to publicly disclose that all proceeds go to Muar, though the aid still reaches his constituency. "I always go through every agreement in detail before agreeing. Sometimes, brands that work through agencies don't allow public announcements, but if they do agree, we still convey what kind of aid is being provided," he said. Syed Saddiq also admitted to receiving numerous offers from various companies but remains selective, often declining those he deems inappropriate. "I've turned down many offers due to poor quality. I believe we must protect our image. As a policymaker myself, quality must always come first for the benefit of Malaysians," he said. In March, the former Youth and Sports Minister donated his entire RM1.36 million earnings from a modelling campaign — in which he appeared alongside actress Bella Astillah — to residents in Muar. This move came after he revealed that government allocations for his constituency had been delayed. Syed Saddiq's popularity has surged since his appearance with Bella in a festive clothing campaign, making him a sought-after ambassador for many brands.
The Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Superman' Syed Saddiq attends birthday party of Bella Astillah's children
Syed Saddiq turned up in a Superman costume at the birthday party of Bella Astillah's children. Photos: Budak Tadika/TikTok via Majoriti Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has sparked buzz online after he was seen celebrating the birthday of Malaysian actress Bella Astillah's children. A video making rounds on TikTok showed the 32-year-old politician arriving at the party dressed as Superman, drawing cheers from Bella's family and fellow guests. The celebration was themed around animated movie characters. Bella, 31, was seen dressed as Disney's Moana, while her children – Ayden, eight, and Ara, five – came as Iron Man and Lilo from Lilo & Stitch, respectively. Many netizens praised Syed Saddiq's efforts to bond with Bella's children, applauding his playful spirit and involvement in the celebration. Others also couldn't help but gush over a heartwarming video of Ara beaming with joy as she posed with the former Youth and Sports Minister. 'I really respect his efforts. Ayden looks very comfortable and happy. Bella and her family also look happier,' said one netizen. Another quipped: 'YB came to the party dressed as Superman. This means whenever Bella and her kids are in trouble, he will be there for them.' Bella and Syed Saddiq sparked dating rumours earlier this year after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a local fashion label. On June 25, Bella arrived at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal. He was later acquitted of all four charges in the RM1.2mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. In a TikTok livestream the next day, Syed Saddiq described Bella as an 'extraordinary woman', adding: 'Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared to what she has gone through.' Bella was previously married to Singaporean artiste Aliff Aziz, with whom she shares two kids. The former couple first divorced in 2019 but reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time on June 13, 2024, after Aliff, 34, was caught in a khalwat (close proximity) case with local actress Ruhainies, 32.
