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Syed Saddiq ‘raps’ political message of equality in Deepavali clip

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The Muda chief joins three popular rappers in a song to address the problems faced by Indians in Malaysia.

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Free Malaysia Today
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman with (from left) P Vishnu , S Jiven and V Vikneswaran.

PETALING JAYA:
Attired in an Indian kurta and salwar outfit complete with a tupattha (shawl), Muda chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman took advantage of the Hindu Deepavali festival by doing a rap song with a popular group, sending a political message for the general election (GE15) next month.

In the bilingual video, which has gone viral, the former minister took to “rapping” his reply to the plight of Indians in Malaysia raised by V Vikneswaran, S Jiven and P Vishnu, in the song.

Among the questions posed to Syed Saddiq by Vikneswaran included why Indian students who worked hard were having difficulties obtaining places in public universities and jobs, and if this had to do with their skin colour.

In his reply, Syed Saddiq rapped to say these were all “old politics”, now disguised as “Keluarga Malaysia” which claimed that everyone was equal.

“We can fight the old politics together. Let’s unite and make Malaysia stronger and do away with race-based politics and replace it with a needs-based approach. Let’s oppose racism and discrimination, with no one left behind,” he rapped.

Jiven then steps in by asking the “Muar Boy” to snap back to reality as he came from a privileged family. He further said to get independence, Malaysians had fought together but after that, the Indian community had been facing a host of problems.

Free Malaysia Today
Syed Saddiq with V Vikneswaran.

Syed Saddiq replied that he was from a middle-class family but admitted that he had obtained the privilege to enter university. “We are now hustling to get equal opportunity and my dream for Malaysia is to compete globally. Those having problems we will help, and those in power, please help them.”

He then breaks into Tamil saying education is vital for everyone and urges all to work together to achieve it.

Another rapper, Vishnu, then butts in saying nothing much is new with Indians in Malaysia still referred to as “pendatang” (immigrants) with some not having identity cards even after 65 years. “The trees have been planted but where are the fruits? The quota system is due for review. If you want to change the country, what’s your reply?”

Syed Saddiq responded saying it’s time for reform in Malaysian institutions, adding that frequent change of governments had weakened and corrupted them. “Make the right choices as old politicians are only thinking of their own pockets. Take them out on Nov 19, so go out and vote.”

In the Merdeka video in September, the rappers became famous when their “Bangun” song was referred to as “Budak2 India rap Melayu” (Indian kids rap in Malay) and was well received.

In the clip, the group rapped about how Indians are often perceived as parang-wielding gangsters, mocked for their darker skin tones and often denied scholarships for higher education despite being top scorers.

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