Of Saddiq's dilemma : Emma & brother or politics....

What's in a name? I say plenty...

What in politics? Bounties...

Emma Maembong is a Malaysian actress who thinks she is the Malaysian Kardaishan. Being an actress, she needs to be regularly in the news to maintain her "sellability" as an actress. In doing so, she created controversies upon controversies including her love life with other actors, comedians and personalities.

The latest is when her "hijabless" photo with a "Syed" went viral... Emma loves controversies as that will keep her in the news...

Now, remember when I ask in the beginning "what's in a name?". It so happens that Emma's "hijabless" photo went viral with a "Syed" in tow. What is the significance here? Well, I was brought up in an environment where "Syed" is said to be of Arab descent and probably lineage with the most influential man in the universe. This posting is not about him but about "Syed".

One famous Nasyid group, Raihan, sand "Imam tak boleh diwarisi" ie "Faith cannot be inherited". This is definitely applicable to this "Syed" from Johor. Being a "Syed" who by generations claimed that they are of Arab descendant and "direct" lineage to the most influential person in the universe, this particular Syed did not live up to his namesake. Not only that, his instagram posting reveals many things, amongst them :-

1. The actress is "hijabless" sporting short pants, being hugged publicly by "Syed";
2. The photo was taken in Thailand where they were vacationing;
3. The photos were leaked from "Syed's" personal wechat account;

Now, who "suggested" the actress to go temporarily "hijabless"? If "Syed" has been sensitive to his namesake and his faith, he would have strongly advise the actress against going "hijabless". He did not. In fact, if he is living to his faith, he would not have been vacationing with the actress in Thailand... tsk tsk...

I would not have taken up this issue if this is all about the actress. Unfortunately, this "Syed" is well-connected to another famous "Syed" in Malaysia. That is an issue! I will expand on this later...

This actress's "Syed" tried to defend the actress by posting his own thoughts in an instagram posting.. which is cut and pasted down here...



My comments on "Syed's" thoughts?

1. He said " Apology is about meaning behind apology". The point is, why do the wrong thing in the first place? If "Syed" had not "encourage" the actress, this "wrong thing" would not have happened and thus no apology is necessary;
2. Syed further wrote " The challenges, is but a fraction of accusations...". Is this accusation or is it real? Is "Syed" trying to say that their photos are photoshopped? That the photos never existed? That the situation of him spending time with the actress in Thailand is false? "Syed" has to come clean on this;
3. "Syed" said he acknowledge criticism. This is not about criticism..It is about "Syed's" moral values. "Syed" has to state his moral values whether he deemed it alright to spend vacation with the actress in Thailand. "Syed" needs to further justify whether the actress can go "hijabless" when they are outside Malaysia. "Syed" needs to clear his perception and his beliefs... which is which?;
4. "Syed" said it was his mess alone. Is it? "Syed" needs to reveals if that is what he is taught as a small guy that it is alright to spend vacation with the actress in Thailand and whether his upbringing says it is ok for him to encourage the actress to go "hijabless" outside Malaysia. That said, this is not "Syed's" mess but the mess falls on his immediate family too;
5. "Syed ended with "to those spreading rumours..." Is this rumour or truth? "Syed" cannot hide behind the bushes and claim rumour when it is not. If "Syed is brave enough to face the mess, then "Syed must be brave enough to admit that this is not a rumor.

Why did I go ballistic with this "Syed"? The answer is simple. This particular "Syed" is a brother to another famous Syed ie Syed Saddiq. Who is Syed Saddiq? Syed Saddiq is a politician, a champion debater, BERSATU's youth leader and a Minister in Tun M's current cabinet.

The older "Syed's" adventure in Thailand is costing the younger "Syed" a bountiful headache. With another by-election in the corner, Syed Sadiiq will be roasted during the campaign. Not only that, the older "Syed" may be pushing the tolerance limit of Tun M. It may not be Syed Saddiq's faults, but his brother's action is nothing to be proud of. In rural Muar, the older "Syed's" action will not go down well with the folks there.

Syed Saddiq has to choose, whether to defend his brother's acts (and those of the actress) or to be politically correct and reprimand his brother. Syed Saddiq cannot get the best of two worlds.

One thing is certain... the actress is not "Duta Belia" material. And if Syed Saddiq thinks that the actress is an exemplary example to Malaysian youth, then Syed Saddiq should be shown the exit door to his political career.

Politics is not just debating whose policy is better. Politics means bringing your whole family to the fore and be ready to be scrutinised by the public. Being a politican family member, "Syed" needs to extra careful with his actions... maybe three years is insufficient to heal the hurt. Maybe, Syed Saddiq will not make it past GE 15...

Me? I say the only way "Syed" can come clean is if he declares he is already married to the actress. Is it so? "Syed"... over to you..

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...