KUALA LUMPUR – Formidable yet conciliatory. As far as Muda co-founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is concerned, those words best describe Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“He is a formidable opponent and conciliatory prime minister,” the former youth and sports minister said when asked to describe Ismail Sabri.
“What is (usually) perceived as being good in politics is a strong man who never meets up with the opposition or those from across the aisle to compromise…they must be an iron fist.
“But I think (Ismail Sabri) brings a unique element. He is open to meeting up, if you text him, he will respond without much formality and I respect that,” the Muar MP said during the Good, the Bad, the Ugly podcast.
Syed Saddiq said this illustrates the Malaysia he dreams of.
“The Malaysia which I envision is one where there is great respect across the aisle despite the political fighting.”
He said the prime minister should use his placatory nature to establish clearer goals for Malaysia, and steer the country away from possible complacency.
While praising Ismail Sabri for his readiness to bridge divides, Syed Saddiq also said more must be done to outline the country’s vision moving forward.
“My criticism of (Ismail Sabri) is that he lacks clear vision, not just for himself but for his cabinet and government,” he said.
He added that while many might cite political instability as the reason behind the lack of focus on the future, Ismail Sabri should be able to capitalise on his affable way with politicians to formulate a comprehensive national strategy that will benefit all parties.
“A good leader, especially one that is very conciliatory in nature, would be able to come up with a clear vision of how he wants to take Malaysia forward,” he said, adding that such plans should not be put on the back burner for long.
“My fear is that we will be a complacent state (that is) stuck in the middle, not a failed state but just a ‘meh’ state.”
He said this would be a shame for the nation as it has the potential to be a “beacon of hope” for Southeast Asia and an “exemplary country” for Muslim-majority nations as Malaysia celebrates the values of diversity, multiracialism and moderation. – The Vibes, August 15, 2022
Tune into the full episode of the podcast titled The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Ep 12 here
