BERSATU’S youth wing Armada has to think like it is part of the government and must work as hard as if it were the opposition to find solutions to issues close to the hearts of young people and society.

In making the call, its chief, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, said that in the struggle, its members should also avoid living luxuriously.

“Young people, both men and women, are on the front lines, bringing up relevant issues and trying to find solutions. We should not be thinking about wealth.

“We need to keep our fighting spirit as it was before, when we fought even without money,” he said during an interview with several media organisations ahead of the Bersatu annual general assembly at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre from tomorrow until Sunday. 

Syed Saddiq, who is also youth and sports minister, said Armada should continue with its struggle by going to the ground and interacting with the public in a relaxed atmosphere, such as at mamak restaurants, and not just at official events and “ribbon-cutting ceremonies”.

The Armada chief said he would further explore the direction of the youth wing and political landscape in his speech at the assembly.

“Through the Armada convention, we want to make sure young people have ample space and ‘movers’ at all levels,” he said.

In the meantime, he said party-hopping, jobs and affordable homes issues, besides the survival of the Malays, Bumiputera and Islam, were among the subjects that would be brought up by Armada delegates.

“Many more issues related to young people can be brought during the Armada convention, like the desire to see the leadership (at the party and national level) exercise integrity in leading the country to gain the world’s respect,” he said.

On party-hopping, Syed Saddiq, who is also Muar MP said Bersatu had no need for politicians who are linked to various malpractices or crimes that occurred under the previous government.

“If there are robbers and thieves joining Bersatu, I will leave the party,” he said.

He was referring to the recent move by former Umno members, including MPs and leaders, in forsaking their party and joining others, including Bersatu, which is chaired by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

 Syed Saddiq said that Armada realised that Bersatu  needed to strengthen the party, but applications from former opposition leaders should be scrutinised before being accepted.

He said any Umno member or leader with pending court cases should not be admitted into the party. 

Syed Saddiq said that the inclusion of experienced leaders from Umno should not be seen as a move to marginalise young Bersatu leaders willing to carve clear beliefs and direction for the party.

The assembly is expected to be attended by about 3,000 delegates from 135 divisions across the country, including Armada delegates from 115 divisions and its Srikandi (women’s wing) delegates from 98 divisions. – Bernama, December 27, 2018.