KUALA LUMPUR: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman hopes to inspire a younger generation of political leaders with his new book “Jalan Tegak”.
The 31-year-old politician’s book charts his journey from a university student to serving as the youth and sports minister from 2018 to 2020, as well as founding the youth-centric political party Muda.
“Joining politics comes with its own risks and opportunities, and I hope my journey inspires young political hopefuls. I want to show the youth what they can achieve through hard work and what pitfalls to avoid," he said.
Syed Saddiq said that his book serves as a guide for youths interested in entering politics and understanding the nature of Malaysia's political landscape.
“My advice to those interested in politics is if you’re scared of confrontation, don’t enter politics,” he said at his book launch during the International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre on Sunday (June 2).
In his book, Syed Saddiq also pays tribute to prominent Malaysian leaders, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for nurturing his political growth.
“He (Dr Mahathir) taught me always to be forward and honest instead of stabbing people in the back and hatching schemes behind their backs.
“Always being the earliest to enter the office and the last to leave, Dr Mahathir’s dedication gave me a unique learning experience that was far more valuable than what I learned in university,” he said.
He said his motivation for entering politics was driven by a desire to grow and serve the populace.
“Far from seeing politics as an easy path to success, my role in pushing the reform agenda as a member of the opposition demonstrates my commitment. I would have chosen not to enter politics had it required compromising my principles," he added.
Dr Mahathir, who was scheduled to officiate at the book launch, could not attend due to ill health.
