- 2 hours ago
BN says it is changing but is it real reform or just a new narrative?
Neow Choo Seong shares his take on rebuilding trust, addressing cost of living issues and whether youth leaders truly have a voice within the coalition.
As GE16 approaches, one question remains: Can BN prove it has changed or will voters move on?
Neow Choo Seong shares his take on rebuilding trust, addressing cost of living issues and whether youth leaders truly have a voice within the coalition.
As GE16 approaches, one question remains: Can BN prove it has changed or will voters move on?
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NewsTranscript
00:00Hello and good night, everyone. It's about 8 o'clock and you're watching Sinar Daily Live and I'm Tasin Lokman.
00:07Okay, we're on Top News Podcast and today we're with this really, really handsome guy.
00:14He is from MCA and he is the Barisan National Youth Communications Director.
00:20And then MCA, you're also the Youth Info Chief, right?
00:23Yes, yes.
00:23Okay, his name is Neo Choo Siong.
00:28Neo Choo Siong.
00:29Yes, correct.
00:30Am I correct?
00:31Is that very difficult for you to pronounce?
00:33No, it's not. It's just that it's the first time I think a lot of people are meeting you.
00:38Maybe not so much, but it's...
00:40Yeah, for those who never followed me before.
00:43You can follow people?
00:45So my name is Neo and just call me Choo Siong or Neo.
00:48Choo Siong, okay.
00:49Some people say Choo Siong sounds cute.
00:51Yeah, cool. Wow.
00:53Okay, so you guys, he's like the newest guy on the market, I guess, for our politics, political scene in
01:01Malaysia.
01:01So, okay, I'm going to go with Neo because it sounds like, it reminds me of a proto Neo.
01:06Yeah, Neo.
01:06No, I think it's more significant.
01:08Okay.
01:08And as you all know, I'm very new.
01:12Okay, Neo and Neo.
01:13Yeah, Neo, Neo.
01:15So, it's very significant.
01:17Okay.
01:18As a person that just come in, jump into politics from my previous profession as a diplomat.
01:26Oh, okay.
01:26And the intention is only one, for sure, is to bring changes.
01:33And that Neo is, to me, is really significant.
01:37Okay, so you told me just now that Neo means bring changes, right?
01:40Yeah, Neo, basically.
01:42Neo, yeah.
01:42Okay, like Neo-idealism, Neo-realism.
01:49Okay, but it's their actual family name, right?
01:51It's not Nama Celebrity, kan?
01:52Yeah, it's my family, correct.
01:53Okay.
01:54But that is very significant.
01:56Neo-BN, it's the Neo-MCA.
01:59That means it's a new era.
02:01Nice.
02:02Wow, you're like starting off really well.
02:04Okay, like, okay, before we start, cakap lah sikit, where are you from?
02:08What's your kawasan?
02:09You ketua bahagian apa?
02:10No, I'm not yet a ketua bahagian.
02:12Okay.
02:13But yeah, I was born in Taiping, Perak.
02:16Okay.
02:18Anak jati Perak.
02:19But I also live, grew up in Kedah in significant times.
02:27In my secondary school, I obtained my secondary education in Kedah.
02:35But the rest of my life, I think when I was born until 12 years old, I was in, I
02:42grew up in Taiping.
02:43So, Kedah kat mana?
02:45Kedah, Pendang.
02:45Pendang, wow.
02:46Okay.
02:47Not Kodian, but Pendang.
02:48All right.
02:49So, we have a Taiping, Pendang, Pendang.
02:52Pendang.
02:53Pendang.
02:53Pendang.
02:53Yes.
02:54We have a Kod, oh my god, Kodian.
02:56Okay.
02:56Kodian.
02:57Kodian.
02:57No.
02:58Taiping and Pendang.
03:01Pendang.
03:01Pendang.
03:02Yes.
03:03Guy here.
03:04And he was a diplomat.
03:05So, do you want to share a bit, where were you last posted before you joined politics?
03:09Well, I was posted to Washington.
03:12Oh, wow.
03:13Okay.
03:14Four and a half years.
03:15And prior to that, I was posted to Venezuela.
03:19Wow, that's so cool.
03:20Especially your current issues, right?
03:22You want to talk about that as well later?
03:24No, we can talk about that.
03:25Okay.
03:26If you wish.
03:26But, yeah.
03:29That was my humble beginning in my career.
03:35And, yeah, now I'm in a completely different world.
03:39But, I think my previous experience and career, in fact, has a great impact on my political career.
03:54How do you enter politics then?
03:56Well, it was coincident by accident.
04:00Okay.
04:00Because I think previously serving as a diplomat, I think it was a great honor for me to represent the
04:09country and be the front line defending national interests and sovereignty abroad.
04:15But, I think it really struck my mind and my heart when I saw like the country really need shift
04:30political dynamism, political transition.
04:36I have seen the same leadership for the past 20 years, I guess.
04:43Yeah.
04:44And, I have seen how the world evolve, how other countries evolve, improve, progress.
04:51And, I think there are things that I can contribute more by getting involved in politics.
05:01Okay.
05:01Because politics is not only the party politics, but it's about policy driven politics.
05:07How we can improve the well-being of the people, the rakyat, through better policy and also direction for the
05:18country.
05:18Okay.
05:19Okay.
05:20Yeah.
05:20But, now we're going to go straight to the questions.
05:23All right.
05:24BN often speaks about reform and you even spoke about the new BN and the new everything.
05:31So, but many young voters still associate Barstian National with its past governance.
05:38Mm-hmm.
05:38So, we're talking about like Zaman Najib even like with Zahid's case still hanging over his shoulder.
05:48So, like why should they believe this time it's different, especially with the upcoming elections?
05:54Well, first of all, I think we have to recognize the history of Barstian National.
06:00Mm-hmm.
06:01Whether it's good or bad, I think there is no perfect party or perfect governance in this world and being
06:09new in line, I think we have to recognize and admit whatever the shortcomings in the past.
06:16Okay.
06:17How we, the newcomers, can improve and make significant changes to the party, that is more important.
06:27We cannot get away from real politics.
06:30Okay.
06:30Every five years or four years, we have to face general elections.
06:34Yeah.
06:34The people have to choose.
06:36But my concern is, do we have better option?
06:39If we, we, we do not, then it is our responsibility to create or generate a better option.
06:48Okay.
06:48So, speaking about Barstian National, we cannot deny the significant contributions in building up this nation.
06:58Okay.
06:58And meanwhile, I also have to admit that there are shortcomings that we need to really address, admit.
07:07And therefore, those experiences, whether it's bad or good, it's something, to me, it's a lesson learned.
07:16Okay.
07:17And most important thing is how we want to move forward, carry forward.
07:20But what are you, like, what are you guys doing carrying forward?
07:24Well, there are things, a list of, list of things that we are doing now.
07:29I mean, coming from the youth perspective, obviously, now we are engaging the youth.
07:37Of course, it takes time, right?
07:40I mean, taking from where I started three years ago, I think whether BN Youth or MCA Youth,
07:49we have been actively engaging students, youth groups, civil society.
07:56But are you, like, meeting the Gen Zs and Gen Alphas halfway?
08:01Not only Gen Zs, but also, not to forget, the alpha generation.
08:05And they are increasing the numbers, right?
08:09And it's very important because, to me, even though I'm Gen Y, not so far away from Gen Z,
08:18can be considered Gen Z, but still.
08:20Okay.
08:22But, in reality, every generation has their own different culture, mindset, and so on.
08:32We must understand them.
08:35So, like, right now in Barasa National, it seems still very top-down, though.
08:40Like, instructions given from top and people look at bawah, execute or carry it out.
08:44So, like, do you see that changing in the next few months or at least in one year where, like,
08:51where the elections are headed?
08:52Well, to be fair, we are still in transition.
08:56Transition takes time.
08:57Transition from what?
08:58The leadership transition.
09:00From what?
09:00From the previous generation to a new generation.
09:03Okay.
09:04Okay.
09:04From the current generation to a younger generation.
09:06And that takes time, you see.
09:08I mean, whatever that is now leading the party, whoever, that is the senior leadership.
09:18And, I mean, of course, we are grateful for their leadership and their contributions.
09:22But the transition means how they want to pass the baton.
09:27Are they passing?
09:28Are they slowly passing it down?
09:29Well, I believe so.
09:31Or else you won't be seeing me.
09:32Okay.
09:33But you're still the youth segment.
09:35Yeah.
09:35So, that's transition that I mean, you know.
09:37I mean, we can't just jump straight to the top without going through the process.
09:44And I see, what I see is that not only in MCA, but in UMNO.
09:49I mean, you can see significant numbers of new faces.
09:56And the most crucial changes that we can see now is that we, the top-down decision, you may say,
10:07yes, they still exist, but at least we are doing what we think we should do without any hindrance.
10:17I mean, we engage the younger voters or population on our own initiative.
10:25If there was not a top-down instruction or any interference, we shouldn't be saying this or that.
10:34I mean, we are newcomers, of course, but we deserve to make mistakes and learn from mistakes.
10:42I think, like, earlier this year when Dr. Kemal, the UMNO Youth Chief, did the, like, the huge meeting before
10:50POW, right?
10:51Before the UMNO General Assembly to talk about the leadership and gathered people from various divisions to talk about the
10:58current leadership.
10:59Do you think that was a big change for UMNO?
11:01Yeah.
11:01First, a national top, like, the brave, like, I don't know, the gut seat he took to go against the
11:06leadership?
11:07Credit goes to the BN leadership, even President UMNO, although that has nothing to do with BN because it's Penyatuan
11:15Umar,
11:16only the Malaysian leaders involved.
11:18But, I mean, coming from BN, I mean, from my personal perspective is that you won't see this in the
11:26past.
11:27Yeah.
11:27Where youth wing is loud to.
11:30Vocally, vocal and brave enough to take it out.
11:33Yeah, take it out and openly addressing or giving different opinions from the leadership.
11:41You can say they are challenging whatsoever, but he is getting and gathering views from all walks of life.
11:51And we cannot deny differences in this world, particularly in politics.
11:57But he is brave enough, Dr. Akmal is brave enough to call out and represent the differences, the voice,
12:07and brought it up to the leadership.
12:09But to me, it's up to the leadership whether to take it or not.
12:13And they have their own consideration.
12:15But at least he is given space and opportunity to do what he deems necessary or relevant.
12:29And same goes to MCA.
12:31I mean, in the youth side, I've never faced any hindrances or objection from the party leadership
12:43in reaching out to the people, in giving my own opinion, even today.
12:48I don't need to secure or seek blessings from the party leadership just because I'm invited.
12:57As long as I am holding my own statements and behavior accountable, that's fine.
13:08There's no specific instruction that you must say this, you must not say this, and that.
13:13No, there was no more.
13:14To me, this is notable, significant changes.
13:20And this is something that I welcome.
13:23And it should be further improved from time to time and strengthened.
13:29Okay.
13:30And how does BN Youth reconcile defending the party while still acknowledging all these past mistakes,
13:37especially 2018 when Barista National lost very big?
13:42These are two different things.
13:45Defending the party is a must.
13:49Acknowledging past mistakes is a courage.
13:52They are two completely different things.
13:56As far as I'm concerned, those who are holding post, it is our responsibility to uphold and also defend the
14:04party.
14:05Meanwhile, it doesn't mean that we have to tell lies.
14:07It doesn't mean that we have to deny whatever mistakes that maybe the past leaderships or we have done in
14:15the past, right?
14:16The most important thing is how we admit and move forward and not to repeat the same mistakes in the
14:27future.
14:28That to me is more important.
14:30Everyone makes mistakes.
14:31Okay.
14:32Everybody has their own mistakes and shortcomings.
14:36More important thing is how we want to appeal to the younger generation, future voters in the coming general elections.
14:46That is to me more important, right?
14:50This living in this current world is factual.
14:55We cannot run away from facts.
14:57People can just recall or repose whatever things you have said in the past.
15:04So you have to be consistent.
15:06And consistency is something we need in Barisan National.
15:10Consistency in our struggles, consistency in our advocation is something we, BNU, need to provide so that they can see.
15:21Time will tell, but at least we must start from somewhere.
15:25Okay.
15:25Yeah.
15:26All right.
15:27So is there space for Barisan National youth to enter the political scene?
15:37Not against, but together with the senior leadership?
15:40Yeah, of course.
15:41We, I mean, say all you want, but the party leadership, we are still working very well with the party
15:48leadership.
15:49Okay.
15:50And it's, it's a culture and it's a necessity to provide check and balance, right?
15:56Differences, difference of opinions.
15:59This is common in politics.
16:00It doesn't mean that, I mean, I know the Eastern culture, you know, respectful and so on, but we are
16:07living in a different era.
16:09People are more demanding.
16:11Rakyat is more demanding.
16:12We want, we want accountability.
16:15Therefore, we must provide accountability.
16:17We must provide check and balance.
16:20Doesn't mean being a junior, we have to, we have to abide or follow every single decision blindly.
16:30We have our rights to provide our own opinions, which we think if it's not good or it's, it's not
16:37good enough.
16:38I think we have the responsibility to voice out.
16:41That's why I think you can see whether it's UMNO Youth, MCA Youth or BN Youth in general, we are
16:48quite vocal in addressing any issues pertinent to the rakyat.
16:54And to me, this is a very, very important shift that we are building now.
17:02We're building not only accountability, we are building trust, something that we want people to see, that we are sincere,
17:08we are honest in not only improving, but to contribute to the nation building.
17:16What would be like the basic BN Youth strategy and, you know, understanding the young people and also the rakyat
17:23in general and also reflecting it to the senior leadership?
17:30Well, to understand the people, you don't need rocket science.
17:37To understand the people on the ground, the only thing you need to do is go down to the ground.
17:42Listen.
17:43Okay.
17:43You just need to listen.
17:45Listen carefully, honestly, sincerely.
17:49I think you can see, UMNO Youth, whether it's Akmal or myself or some other leaders, we have been very
17:59actively engaged, engaging people on the ground.
18:03Whether it's a youth community or senior community or walks of life, I can tell you, you can look at
18:13YB Helmin, YB Duyong, Akmal, myself, and Wong Siu Man from MCA, our youth chief, Tiansun.
18:23Every day, working tirelessly, going to the ground, listening to the people, understand the issues.
18:29What's the biggest issues on the ground?
18:31Well, if you can see, cost of living, inflation, job opportunities to the youth.
18:44These are the pertinent issues that are facing the people.
18:50I mean, with the uncertainties in Middle East, the war in Iran, that creates more troubles.
19:01To the country, to the people.
19:03I mean, the increase oil prices that will bring chain effects to all sectors.
19:10Right.
19:10And meanwhile, we are also facing increased numbers of graduates.
19:16And if we do not have sufficient space or bigger job opportunities, then many of our graduates will end up
19:27jobless.
19:28And this is something that we should look into it.
19:32I mean, being a responsible government.
19:36Adaptive to a responsible dog.
19:37Yeah.
19:37I mean, of course, we have to be very responsible.
19:39But I mean, from a political perspective, we need to think of it.
19:44We need to equip our population with sufficient job opportunities.
19:50Do you think the current government, the current cabinet, is looking into these items that you've listed?
19:56Well, I think we can do better.
20:00Okay.
20:01Yeah.
20:01Because there are still issues that cannot be resolved.
20:09I mean, that's why that's where we come in to provide constructive criticism, to provide checks and balance, and also
20:21some views, I would say, or recommendations to the government from time to time.
20:32I mean, some may not be able to take it positively, but to me, that is our responsibility.
20:41We are not in the cabinet.
20:43I mean, I cannot speak on behalf of the cabinet, but what we see and what we listen on the
20:48ground, that does not reflect what has been portrayed by the government.
20:55Okay.
20:55People are still suffering to make days meet.
20:57That is, to me, more important, how to make people feel comfortable.
21:05I mean, we have been enjoying independence, freedom for almost 70 years, right?
21:1469 this year.
21:16And numbers of crisis we have been through.
21:211997, economy crisis.
21:242008, Asia financial crisis.
21:26Yeah.
21:27And I think throughout my experience, my life, I've never felt that difficult.
21:36Okay.
21:37In the past.
21:37Okay.
21:38That is something I think the current government needs to ponder upon.
21:43Okay.
21:43Are you really competent, are you really doing good enough in protecting the national interest, the interest of the people,
21:57and buffering the burden due to global challenges?
22:04Okay.
22:04You know, as I said, we have, we have been through world economic crisis, Asia financial crisis, and so on.
22:11But I think that's why I think that's why I said, the government should be doing better.
22:19Because at this moment, we feel that, the people feel that all this burden are being borne by them, the
22:29people.
22:30Okay.
22:30So when we have this government would just transferring the burden to the rakyat.
22:38I think that is unfair.
22:40Okay.
22:40Okay.
22:41Of course, there are things that we can absorb, but I think we have to be more far efficient.
22:50We need to anticipate risks and what is coming.
22:55Of course, this is what the cabinet should be doing now at this moment.
23:00And we can't wait until things happen and we just react to whatever things that had happened.
23:08So that is what we are lacking, I guess.
23:12Every time we are only reacting to the issues.
23:16Okay.
23:16And for example, food security.
23:20Are we doing enough to provide food security to the population?
23:26I mean, food security is, don't you think it's because like, it's more expensive?
23:31I mean, we're highly reliant on imports, right?
23:34Yeah, that's the problem.
23:36Yeah.
23:36That's the problem.
23:37Like, have we discussed?
23:38Do we need to?
23:39Yeah, exactly.
23:40Like, have we discussed, have you guys discussed what's the issue on, I don't know, from BM Youth Media level?
23:46Well, we can only bring these matters up there.
23:50Yeah.
23:50We are not in the cabinet.
23:51We are not in the parliament.
23:53I'm not a member of parliament yet.
23:54I cannot voice out in the parliament.
23:56But of course, through our representative, yeah.
24:02Through our leaders who are the members of parliament, who are maybe in the cabinet.
24:08But look, if we were to talk about food security, like what you rightly mentioned earlier, our imports are two
24:19times more than what we are exporting.
24:22Yeah.
24:23And the country has enough resources, has enough space, and we are so blessed with everything.
24:30And yet, we are depending on import food.
24:34Maybe you can explain why.
24:36Well, the Ministry of Agriculture should explain why.
24:40It's not me.
24:40Unless I'm the Minister of Agriculture, then I might be able to tell you.
24:44But even then, to me, the government should be doing more in ensuring...
24:51There should be more efforts.
24:52There should be more efforts in ensuring we are securitized in terms of food, right?
24:56For example, I just came back from engagement or dialogue with the fishermen.
25:04And they are having a lot of problems.
25:08The license renewal, the diesel subsidy issues, the bureaucracy issues.
25:15Imagine, these are the group of people that are directly providing food to the population.
25:25And yet, they are having so much troubles on the ground, which can be eased, can be solved by the
25:35government through more people-friendly or industry-friendly policy.
25:40Okay.
25:41Right?
25:41But this can only be done through policy.
25:44That's why I said, BNU and the young politicians should be policy-driven.
25:49No longer politics-driven or party-driven because we should be accountable to the rakyat and the country.
25:57And we should be there to provide and not only check and balance, but what I mean is constructive criticisms
26:05and recommendations to the government.
26:09Whether they want to listen or not, it's their choice.
26:12But are we doing enough to push the government to listen, to accept what is good for the country and
26:20what is good for the people?
26:21Okay.
26:22We're talking about Barisan National, but you guys are in a coalition, not coalition, like in a relationship connecting with
26:31Pakatan Harapan under the unity government, right?
26:34So, like, how is, you're the communications director.
26:37So, how is the Barisan youth and the, I don't know, Pakatan Harapan youth communicating with each other on things
26:48like this?
26:48Well, there's no necessity in, I mean, on youth perspective, because none of our youth leaders are in the, in
26:59the federal, at the federal level.
27:01None of them.
27:02AKMAR is not in federal level.
27:04PH, youth chief, Wukaleong is not at federal level.
27:08We are just youth.
27:09Okay.
27:10At youth level, there is no direct engagement or direct cooperation.
27:17It's only, at the federal level, it's only by the senior leadership.
27:21So, there's no platform.
27:23But shouldn't you guys be talking to each other?
27:25Doesn't, doesn't, like, more voices make it more stronger?
27:29Yes, technically, I believe.
27:31And, and, but as I mentioned earlier, our role is to provide check and balance.
27:38Our role is to provide accountability to the senior leadership.
27:45We do not want to interfere.
27:46In other people's.
27:47In other people's business.
27:48Okay.
27:49Right.
27:49If we, BN, is not doing good enough, why should bother about other party?
27:53Why, I think the focus should be strengthening.
27:57BN itself.
27:58BN itself.
27:58Okay.
27:59Why should I tell people what to do?
28:00Yeah.
28:00When my party is still not doing good enough.
28:04Okay.
28:04Right.
28:04That is more critical to us.
28:06So, our focus is to provide assistance, support, and at the same time, check and balance to our own leadership.
28:13Okay.
28:14So, ahead of GE16, which could happen anytime.
28:18I'm not saying it's happening right now or next, this year.
28:21But I'm just saying that, ahead of GE16, what is the BN Youth's plans?
28:26Do you guys have, like, do you guys have a quota?
28:28Berapa banyak?
28:29You guys want to put forward people to contest?
28:31I mean, and then there's a whole discussion between, like, nak bekerjasama with PH or not.
28:37Like, what's going to happen there?
28:39Well, that will be discussed at the top level.
28:44Yeah, but like...
28:44The Supreme Council.
28:46But to the youth, we will continue to advocate.
28:49We want significant numbers of youth representation in the party.
28:52We want, I mean, not only we, but it's very obvious that the people want, the rakyat want...
29:00Younger faces?
29:01New faces.
29:02Okay.
29:03Those who really, to them, I mean, of course, whether we can perform or not, the time, time, only time
29:10we can tell.
29:11But at least, with people who, with progressive mindset, without baggage, without integrity issues and so on, people are tired
29:26of politics and politicings.
29:28People want to see new faces who really want to come in and help their people.
29:33Does BN youth have those new faces?
29:35That's why we are doing very, I mean, we are working very hard.
29:40Are you putting yourself forward to the Supreme Council?
29:43Oh, yeah, of course.
29:44These voices have been brought up consistently.
29:46Okay.
29:47Whether within BN or within MCA.
29:51I mean, UMNO, I'm not in UMNO.
29:52But I believe these voices have been consistently brought up to the top leadership that the people want.
30:00But then it comes back to the question, is there space for the youth to go up and to become
30:05candidates?
30:05Well, as I said, if you see more young faces at this moment, to me, that is improvement.
30:15But I cannot, I would say, pre-empt what will happen.
30:23Okay.
30:24I mean, there are several considerations by the leadership.
30:30So that, we leave it to the leadership.
30:32But what is more important to BN youth is that, do we have significant numbers of people who can really
30:40stand out, be the voice of the rakyat?
30:44If we do, I think the leadership will consider.
30:47But do you guys have?
30:48Well, it's for you to judge.
30:51It's for you to tell me.
30:52I don't know whether if you like me, if you think that I can represent the voices of the rakyat,
31:00of this multicultural rakyat.
31:02If you think we are doing enough to meet the expectation of the people, especially the younger generation, the younger
31:12voters who will be the majority in this coming January election.
31:18So this is very important.
31:20They want to be represented.
31:22They want their voices to be heard.
31:24So who will be the voices?
31:26That is the question that we need to answer.
31:30We need to provide.
31:31So if BN wants to be relevant, we need to feel more.
31:38Younger.
31:39New faces.
31:40New faces.
31:40Younger faces.
31:43With great credibility, accountability.
31:46Have you guys, have you discussed this with like MIC and, as I said, are you guys putting it forward
31:52to your leaders?
31:53I'm putting it forward now.
31:55Okay.
31:56Mr. President, Mr. Chairman.
31:58Yeah, I mean, we are, as I said, we have to be bold enough and it's not to my interest,
32:07it's to the people's interest.
32:08Okay.
32:09Because the younger generation has this expectation and this expectation is real.
32:14They want, they want changes.
32:16Okay.
32:17And they want to see new faces for obvious reasons.
32:23Okay.
32:23I want to talk to you about component parties a sec.
32:26So, MIC.
32:28Okay.
32:29Okay.
32:29So, MIC.
32:29I'm from MCA, man.
32:30Yeah, I know you're from MCA.
32:32I'm talking about your friends at MIC.
32:35Okay.
32:35So, like, I think, just, like, exactly earlier this year, past Secretary General, Datuk Takyuddin Hassan, announced that MIC actually
32:46joined Perkata National.
32:48And that was heavily discussed as of end of last year.
32:51And suddenly, Deputy President MIC, Saravanan, said, no, we're not.
32:58We're not joining them.
32:59We're still with Perkata National.
33:01So, like, from MCA, component party, punya perspective, I'm not going to ask you because you're not from MIC, but
33:08from the MCA perspective, what was happening there?
33:11What was your thing when that was all happening?
33:14First of all, if you have just rightly mentioned, MIC has given you the answer.
33:19Yelah, but, like, from the BNU, you BNU.
33:23I'm BNU.
33:24Yeah.
33:24What was the communication happening right there, Director?
33:26No, but if they have denied, then what is me?
33:31I don't know.
33:32What was the among the youth?
33:33What were you guys talking about?
33:34I mean, you have to ask MIC.
33:36MIC pun tak bincang dengan korang ke?
33:40Kalau you ada masalah keluarga, you cakap dengan you punya siblings.
33:43Alah.
33:44I mean, everyone has their own issues to deal with.
33:49We respect whatever decisions made by MIC or whoever, whichever component party.
33:57Even if we have to come up with a decision, we will do it.
34:01And it's for our own survival, right?
34:04MIC has their rights to decide their future.
34:06And to me, they have to make a decision whether to stay or to leave.
34:16And we respect that, right?
34:18But if they said they denied it, then be it, right?
34:21As long as they are still part of Barisan National, we are in a coalition, then we work as a
34:28team.
34:28What is more important is that how we want to strengthen BN.
34:32BN is a coalition, it's a great coalition with, as I said, significant contributions, history, and recognition.
34:42We have been through the downtimes.
34:45We have been through the tough times.
34:48And as a newcomer, as someone that come in with an intention to make changes,
34:59I think we should be focusing on how to make this Barisan National great again
35:04and be relevant to the younger population and the future voters.
35:12Because we cannot be just sitting in the past and expecting miracles to happen.
35:19We have to work hard.
35:20If you want to represent the rakyat, we have to be with the rakyat.
35:24And I mean, I'm speaking sincerely from my heart.
35:29We all have issues to deal with, right?
35:31Even UMNO.
35:33I've said that openly, that there's no point shooting our own feet.
35:38Okay.
35:38As a coalition, we're not going to win if we are not united.
35:42And we are not going to win either if we have doubts on each other.
35:48While people are struggling, we should take this opportunity to strengthen ourselves.
35:54And therefore, I always can encourage to be a leader.
35:59You must have political wisdom.
36:01You must have personal wisdom.
36:06Because you know you are not representing your own interests.
36:09You are representing the interests of the rakyat and the nation.
36:12And therefore, this country has gone through a long history.
36:19And to be able to preserve and uphold this heritage, I think every one of us has the responsibility.
36:30Yeah.
36:30Okay.
36:31Right?
36:32Tapi, MCA represent orang-orang China, right?
36:35We, technically, yes.
36:38Yes, but in this, after 70 years, if we are still talking about MCA only representing Chinese,
36:46then we are not reflecting the reality on the ground.
36:50Okay.
36:50Okay.
36:51We should be moving away from the identity politics.
36:56But it doesn't mean we must ignore and forget our own identity.
37:04Okay.
37:05I mean, we are still Chinese.
37:07Yeah.
37:08But it doesn't mean we can only represent Chinese, right?
37:13Yeah.
37:13If I want to be a wakil rakyat, I'm not wakil rakyat for Chinese only.
37:21I'm sure in every kawasan, they are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Bumi Putra, other races.
37:31So, I cannot tell people that I'm only representing Chinese.
37:35Okay.
37:35I have to be responsible to all constituents, my people in that constitution.
37:40Absolutely.
37:41I absolutely agree with you.
37:43But, what does your...
37:47Because you're always on the ground with the people, right?
37:49What's your vibe on the Chinese communities when it comes to Leaning Twist MCA?
37:55Well, if you look at the past, over the past 20 years, obviously, our racial polarization is quite, it's quite
38:08prevailed.
38:09Yeah, due to certain political rhetorics, political division.
38:16And that is what really struck me.
38:21And I have great concern on this political racial polarization.
38:29And I think I have the responsibility to be the bridge of national unity.
38:36That's why the difference I always emphasize.
38:39I mean, MCA, although we are representing the Chinese community,
38:46but we are not a chauvinistic party.
38:50We do not want to be seen as, yeah, we are here to defend the rights.
38:55But at the same time, we have to challenge others' rights.
39:00Okay.
39:01You get what I mean?
39:02Who are challenging or being chauvinistic?
39:05I think you are matured enough.
39:07You are well-versed enough.
39:09Okay.
39:09There are parties that come up with rhetorics.
39:12Okay.
39:13Always there to put up fires like, you know, we want to abolish the rights of Bumi Putra,
39:21the quota system, this and that.
39:24That is a rhetoric, political rhetoric, just to create sentiment to gain the political support from certain groups.
39:36Okay.
39:36And in reality, they knew that they cannot achieve.
39:42But for the past two decades, they have been using this as a political tool to divide the population.
39:51And it's proven successful in the past almost 20 decades.
39:55But today, in this coming general election, I think people have seen enough.
40:02Okay.
40:03People have learned that we are living in Malaysia.
40:07If you were to talk about multiracial society, that means it's not a singular race interest only.
40:15Right.
40:16We, even though we have our rights, our interest to defend, doesn't mean we have to challenge and step on
40:24others' rights.
40:25Okay.
40:26And this is very important.
40:29MCA has the responsibility to educate, to advocate the value of national unity.
40:36I would rather promote national unity than to come up with political rhetorics, to be the champion of Chinese, to
40:47challenge the rights of others, just to gain political popularity.
40:52I think that doesn't work anymore.
40:54People are wise enough, they have experience and seen enough, how that would never work in a multiracial society.
41:03As much as we want people to respect us, sometimes we also need to learn how to respect others.
41:10Okay.
41:10Okay.
41:11That's really good.
41:12It can be a campaign.
41:14Well, I'm speaking from my heart.
41:16Yeah.
41:16And I have been very consistent in telling this.
41:18Okay.
41:19Yeah.
41:19That's the difference.
41:20Okay.
41:20Between MCA and our competitors.
41:23Oh, you're a rival.
41:24Okay.
41:26You guys know who it is.
41:28Okay.
41:29We have a few more questions before we end.
41:32So, I want to ask you, is the election going to be this year or next year?
41:35Well, you ask PMX.
41:37Okay.
41:38He has the power to decide, but we don't know.
41:42I don't really like this question because to me, whether it's this year or next year, it's going to come.
41:49Yeah.
41:50Are we ready?
41:51That should be the question.
41:52Okay.
41:53Like, economically as well, right?
41:56Politically, economically, and socially.
41:58Tadi, you should call you were posted in Venezuela before this.
42:02What year was that?
42:04I can't remember.
42:05What was I?
42:07What year was that?
42:07Oh, what year was that?
42:09It was 2014.
42:11I arrived December 2014.
42:13Okay.
42:13A day before Christmas, 24th of December, 2014.
42:16How was life there?
42:17Because a lot of people talk about inflation in Venezuela, right?
42:19Yeah.
42:20And like, I've seen reports and like on TV, CNN, and some more.
42:25Like, money is like chunks of money is just like.
42:29Valueless.
42:30Yeah, exactly.
42:31Like, can you share with us as somebody who's actually lived in Venezuela?
42:34We might need another session and like series, you know.
42:38If I were to share with you life that I've been through in Venezuela, it's a pity.
42:46Venezuela has the largest oil reserve in the world.
42:48Venezuela used to be the richest country in Latin America.
42:53And due to obviously mismanagement, bad governance, and poor governance, I would say,
43:05especially in dealing with economy, the people suffer.
43:10Yeah.
43:11That is why, that is the main reason that drove me into politics.
43:16Because you won't be surprised, even if the richest country in Latin America,
43:24the country with the largest oil reserve can fall to what you can see today.
43:30Yeah.
43:31I mean, anything can happen to Malaysia.
43:34And it is our responsibility.
43:39And to me, it's a collective responsibility to defend this country
43:44and to make sure that our future generations will still benefit from whatever we have
43:51or we have had in the past.
43:55And therefore, we really need to make sure this and that it will never happen in Malaysia.
44:01Okay, like what happened earlier this year, right?
44:04When America just came in and took their president, I mean, regardless of whatever is happening,
44:12were you shocked that something like that could happen to Venezuela?
44:15Because you were there, right?
44:17Before this?
44:18Well, the drama has been ongoing for decades.
44:21If you look at, I mean, 2014, that was the beginning of the downfall
44:26when the late president, Hugo Chavez, passed away in 2013.
44:32And you can see, due to that leadership crisis and poor governance, as I said,
44:40after 12 years, then you see what you just witnessed.
44:46And I'm not surprised, but what struck me and what raised my concern is that
44:55what is the future of Venezuela?
44:58I mean, Maduro is Maduro.
45:00Yeah.
45:01As I always said, leaders come and go.
45:04Yeah.
45:04But the nation stays, and would that be significant improvement in Venezuela
45:12or to the livelihood of the Venezuelans?
45:18I don't know.
45:19It's for us to witness.
45:25But I really hope that it will, you know, the country, our country can learn
45:31indirectly from other countries that, you know, to make sure that it will never
45:37happen to us.
45:38Okay.
45:38All right.
45:39That was a very good explanation, I guess.
45:42I hope so.
45:43But as I said, it's a very unique country.
45:46Venezuela is a very unique country.
45:48But it's so similar to us geographically, of course, culturally, we are different.
45:55I mean, but geographically.
45:58Economically?
45:59Economically, of course, it's completely different.
46:02But what I mean is that they are resources rich country, just like Malaysia.
46:09The population is also similar to Malaysia, to 30 over millions.
46:14They are also very diverse, so similar, you know, similar.
46:19But we are lucky.
46:20We have good foundation that has been set.
46:26So we still have this good foundation, but foundation can be broken if you do not preserve
46:32it well.
46:33Yeah.
46:34That's what worry me.
46:35And that's what I saw and witnessed in Venezuela.
46:43People cannot find food.
46:48Inflation was skyrocket.
46:51The money that you earn couldn't even feed one meal.
46:56That is really scary.
46:59And look at current situation that we are facing.
47:03That is nothing near what the Venezuelans used to face.
47:09I don't know now, but the inflation rates was thousands times higher.
47:14And even now in Malaysia, people can feel the difficulty.
47:19And I hope we can do something, the government.
47:24I don't care who is the government, but the government should be doing better.
47:29We cannot fail as a nation.
47:32We can fail as a government, but we cannot fail as a nation.
47:35Wow, that's really good.
47:37Okay, so before we end, where do you see Barista National in five years?
47:43Kingmaker, reform driver, or still rebuilding?
47:50Well, I would want to see Barista National become the driver.
47:57Not only reform driver, but economic development, driver for economic development, driver for good
48:09governance, driver for people's champion, and driver for greater Malaysia.
48:22And that has to come from now.
48:25We need more good people to come in to make this party stronger in order to be a stronger government.
48:39As I said, every five years, there will be a general election where people will have to choose a government
48:47to rule this country.
48:51Forget about the rest, but are we ready?
48:56Are we strong enough to stand on our own feet and to be significant and relevant to the nation?
49:04If we are not, then we have to do something and work harder from now.
49:11Or else, if you ask me in five years' time, if we're still sleeping five years' time, we are still
49:16sleeping.
49:17If we wake up today, tomorrow we work hard.
49:20Five years later, maybe we have fruits to reap.
49:23Okay.
49:23The fruits is for the ragyat and the nation.
49:25Last question.
49:27And I just want you to answer one word.
49:31If the youth still rejects Barisanational in G16, who is supposed to take the blame?
49:40One word?
49:41Yeah.
49:42Myself.
49:43Yourself.
49:44Okay.
49:44Now you heard it live.
49:46Yeah, I mean...
49:47He will take the blame.
49:48He will take...
49:49It's a collective responsibility.
49:52So, if we are not doing good enough to convince the ragyat, especially the younger generation, to support us, it's
50:01ourself to be blamed.
50:03Okay.
50:03Right?
50:04So, we have to work harder.
50:05All right.
50:06Okay.
50:06Thank you so much, Neil, for being with us on CNRDG.News.
50:10I hope you guys, like, discovered and explored new things about Barisanational Youth, because this is the new face of
50:18Barisanational for the future.
50:21Yeah.
50:21Yeah.
50:21I'm new.
50:22Yeah.
50:23Yes, that's great.
50:24Anyways, guys, thank you so much for watching.
50:27Make sure you follow CNR Daily on all social media platforms and download our app, okay, because it's really fun
50:32and it has really cool things.
50:34And not to forget.
50:35Yeah.
50:35For those who haven't known me better, you can always add me on any social media.
50:41Follow him as well on Instagram and TikTok.
50:44Yeah.
50:45Okay.
50:45Thank you so much, guys.
50:46Good night.
51:10Thank you so much, guys.
51:12Thank you so much, guys.
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