In a Facebook post, Syed Saddiq said a debate or dialogue session would be the better alternative since the next general election was too far off.
Asia’s top debater was commenting on Bung’s challenge that he contest against the lawmaker in Kinabatangan instead of sounding like an “empty vessel” every time he criticised Prime Minister Najib Razak or 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
Rebutting Bung’s arguments, Syed Saddiq said he saw it as his “patriotic duty” to speak up if he suspected there was corruption in government and that his right to ask these questions was enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“I also believe I am only human. If I am wrong, admonish me. If I have committed a crime, report me to the authorities.
“But do not deny me, my right to speak my mind, I am only an ordinary man seeking the truth.”
He also said Bung’s argument that anyone who questioned the prime minister should contest in the general election defeated the whole purpose of democracy.
“Democracy does not end once we have chosen our representative, but carries on to ensure that same representative continues to serve us and not stray far from his promises,” adding that if Bung’s principle was applied, more than a million people would have to stand for election in Pekan alone.
He reminded Bung to be mindful of the fact that he was elected as a lawmaker to “serve the people, not become a ruler that is free from criticism.”
“Bung should be reminded it was the people who voted him as their representative and that he could lose his power just as easily. So my advice is, don’t be proud and arrogant.”
For the “debate/dialogue session” with Bung, Syed Saddiq proposed they speak at length on the issues of 1MDB, SRC International, the RM2.6 billion political donation and “many more-who knows…”