PSM has come to the defense of Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman amid the criticism of the latter for quitting the government bloc in Parliament.

In doing so, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan referred to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke's comment that Syed Saddiq is obliged to support the coalition government, as the latter "owed" his victory in the Muar parliamentary seat in the 15th general election (GE15) to Pakatan Harapan’s backing.

"Loke should blame himself and DAP for Syed Saddiq leaving the government bloc to become an independent bloc committed to the third force.

"Harapan and DAP not upholding the original spirit of reformasi and their promise not to defend the Umno court cluster, had resulted in this development," Arutchelvan said in a statement today.

Arutchelvan then slammed Harapan, and its chairperson cum Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for opposing Perikatan Nasional's "Green Wave" agenda, but allegedly resorting to similar tactics themselves.

PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan

In particular, he cited Kelantan PKR Women's chief Nor Azmiza Mamat's complaint that attendees of a Jom Heboh concert in Kota Bharu recently were not segregated according to gender.

“Therefore, we need a third bloc to revert to a reform agenda that challenges the status quo.

“PSM and Muda are committed to this process, and we welcome those who are disappointed to stand with the right side of history, rather than kowtowing to the politics of the lesser evil or real politics,” Arutchelvan added.

Backlash from Zahid’s DNAA

Yesterday, Syed Saddiq announced quitting the government bloc. However, he would not join PN.

The former youth minister will instead function as a third force and remain supportive of the government’s agenda when it comes to voting in the Dewan Rakyat on constitutional and institutional reforms.

The decision was made following the move to grant discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.