An open letter to the Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Ibrahim:

Dear Tunku,

I teared when I read your open letter yesterday.

I teared because I too once lived in the Malaysia you were talking about. A Malaysia filled with optimism and pride. A Malaysia where we stood tall in the eyes of the world. A Malaysia where corruption was not the norm of the land. A Malaysia where cultures were preserved and celebrated as a symbol of unity, not division. A Malaysia for all peace-loving Malaysians, not for the corrupt power hungry elites.

Unfortunately, today, we are losing our beloved Malaysia. We are losing our beloved identity. We are losing our beloved home.

Dear Tunku,

There might be those who question you for speaking up. Those who pat your back at first, but stabs it at another. Those who are skeptical of your motive. I for one will challenge and confront them. I do this not because I am forced to, but because I want to. It’s not a matter of blind loyalty, but a matter of faith in your struggle. I have had the privilege of meeting you on multiple occasions, and in all of them you’ve always been consistent in expressing your deep concern of Johor and Malaysia. You’ve been consistent in criticizing both the government and the opposition, and for that reason, I admire that.

Dear Tunku,

While I tear for what the power-hungry elites are doing to our beloved country and state, I harbor a great sense of optimism for our future with people like you, who dare speak truth to power. While I have lost hope in the corrupt, scandal-ridden, Kleptocratic elected government, my hope in Malaysia and Johor is regained knowing that there are brave and courageous leaders like your good self who will not kneel to the corrupt power structures.

As a Johorean, I am deeply honoured to have you as my crown prince, and my future sultan/king. Keep on fighting the good fight.

A fellow Malaysian,
A fellow Bangsa Johor,
Syed Saddiq.

SYED SADDIQ SYED ABDUL RAHMAN is Bersatu Youth chief, and is Asia’s best debater, having won the United Asia Debate Championship in May 2015.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.