27 March 2019

Is Syed Saddiq defending cronyism & nepotism?

One couldn’t help but be cynical and speculate about the “coincidence” of the government suspending Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) as the facilitator of national motorsport events at the same time Tan Sri Mokhazni Mahathir was chosen as the President of Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM). 

On top of that, the government relentlessly lobbied the international motorsport body to recognise MAM taking over the roles of AAM — consolidating the power and influence of MAM in one fell swoop.

Most still remember how Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad, in his tenure as the fourth Prime Minister, had granted countless contracts and positions to his cronies and sons. It is utterly disappointing that the cultures of cronyism and nepotism have once again returned under the administration of Pakatan Harapan. Where are the loud, vocal DAP and PKR leaders now who once condemned these practices?

Perhaps Syed Saddiq is too young to remember anything about the previous power abuses by Dr Mahathir, but can he now not see that nepotism is being revived in front of his very own eyes?

Has Syed Saddiq forgotten about the contracts granted to Opcom and Petron, companies which are owned by Dr Mahathir’s sons, Mokhzani and Mirzan? Factor that into the recent controversy where Mokhzani was appointed as the President of MAM.

The people of new Malaysia are clearly tired with the cultures of cronyism and nepotism. Alas, not only has Dr Mahathir not changed his old ways, it seems like such cultures are now supported by fresh-faced leaders like Syed Saddiq.

Mike Chong Yew Chuan

MCA Spokesperson

-MCA online-