Saddiq recounts Muda members’ stay with Umno leader during relief efforts
In times of disaster, political differences should be put aside to ensure that welfare and service can reach the people.
Recounting his experience while helping flood victims in Temerloh recently, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) pro-tem president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman shared how his plans to stay for a day eventually turned into a three-day stay.
During that time, he said, the Muda members involved in the aid mission stayed at the house of an Umno branch chief who was also a village head, even though they had different political views.
In times of disaster, political differences should be put aside to ensure that welfare and service can reach the people.
Recounting his experience while helping flood victims in Temerloh recently, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) pro-tem president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman shared how his plans to stay for a day eventually turned into a three-day stay.
During that time, he said, the Muda members involved in the aid mission stayed at the house of an Umno branch chief who was also a village head, even though they had different political views.
“It's not just one or two, there were five to six of us. There were BN flags everywhere in front of his house. When he asked me whether I was comfortable because his house was full of BN flags, I said 'no problem'.
“In any case, in times of crisis, there is a call for unity, for us to work together to serve the interests of the people.
“We had a great time together. His son is a Muda leader, his father is an Umno leader.
“In the end, we are here together to serve," he said in a press conference on the Mari Bantu 2021 budget, a flood relief mission organized by Muda. The press conference was also posted on Syed Saddiq's Facebook.
Syed Saddiq was at Temerloh to help with clean-up work and welfare assistance.
According to the Muar MP, that is what Muda is trying to achieve in politics - healthy competition in politics based on service and policy.
He said Muda intends to bring a spirit of unity that not only transcends political beliefs, but also race and religion.
“I am not here to bring down other parties, I am here to ensure that we can compete in a healthy way, to serve the needs of the people," he added.
The press conference was held for the initial report of the Mari Bantu flood relief mission launched by Muda.
He said that as of yesterday afternoon, Mari Bantu had collected more than RM2 million from over 42,000 contributors - much higher than the initial target of RM10,000 - with the amount spent so far is RM 789,521.66.
Syed Saddiq also detailed the breakdown of aid given including mattresses, food packs, container houses, mineral water, boats, water jets, school supplies, carpets, refrigerators, disposable diapers, water tanks, and clothing sets.
He also detailed the amount of money allocated for each breakdown of aid and services, as well as the breakdown of assets.
In addition, Muda also launched the Bangkit mission, as a post-flood initiative offering financial assistance to affected families; assistance of household items such as refrigerators, washing machines and so on; educational assistance and school equipment including laptops for students; legal aid and mental health assistance, among others.
According to Syed Saddiq, all expenses will be audited to ensure the transparency of Muda's financial management.
Therefore, he made an open appeal to audit firms that wanted to offer their services on a pro bono basis or at a reasonable rate, in line with Muda’s charitable mission.
He said it was important to ensure that the people's money, which was trusted to them, was used prudently and in the most efficient way.
“I would like to make an open appeal here to large audit firms if they can help us…
“We are open book (we have nothing to hide). It would be great if they could provide services on a pro bono basis, or with a big discount because we want to ensure that every penny received is well spent,” he added.
The flood relief fund through Mari Bantu was launched on December 18, after the floods hit Selangor the day before.
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