KUALA LUMPUR: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said his 200km Langkah Muar run was a movement to seek justice for Opposition constituencies he claims were deprived of funding.
“It is not a hyper-partisan demand but instead based on the principle of justice, regardless of religion, race, political colour, or political support. Welfare aid must be given to all regardless of whether it is government or Opposition constituencies,” he told a press conference outside the Parliament gate after completing his run.
He said government MPs would receive RM20mil per term while Opposition MPs received nothing when they also needed to operate service centers, pay officers, and give out welfare aid such as wheelchairs, pampers and milk powder.
“This is an important matter and (funding for Opposition) has been part of the general election promises, but it is forgotten after the elections.”
“That is why I have embarked on this small effort, by starting the bid to seek funding from Muar,” he said.
He also told the government not to use negotiations as an excuse, as several rounds of negotiations have been held and letters have been sent out.
“This is no longer a matter of negotiation but revenge politics that is punishing the people in the Opposition constituencies. This is wrong and we must oppose it together,” he said.
Syed Saddiq said he was able to collect RM160,000 for his service centre through the run from some 2,000 donors, exceeding the target of RM100,000.
Sharing his experience, he said he was touched to know that many people along the Melaka-Seremban route had supported him, contributed funds and gave him food.
“This inspired me. They have never been to Muar, but they love this country. They felt the pain of others,” he said.
“Last night when I crossed the Selangor border, there was a couple who came on a motorbike, and gave quite a huge amount of money. I was shocked as they lived in the village nearby and it was obvious that they were not financially well off,” he said while adding that he was touched by their gesture.
Asked about his physical condition after the run, Syed Saddiq said he had seen a physiotherapist and may have to go for a few more sessions soon.
He was joined by Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal who ran for 5km with him.
Syed Saddiq and the entourage of Muda supporters were greeted by some Perikatan Nasional MPs upon arrival. There were also chants of “Beri-Beri Peruntukan Peruntukan (Give funds)” and Mana-mana Reformasi (Where are the Reforms?).
