In a statement today, Syed Saddiq said: “Please Malaysia, don’t label him as a ‘pengkhianat’ (traitor).”
He said he was issuing the statement because “I can’t stand seeing a hero get wrongfully accused”.
He explained that activists, politicians and businessmen who were not in line with BN ideology were threatened and pushed into a corner.
He said Fernandes was “among the first to came to the aid of Muhyiddin Yassin when he was punished for speaking truth to power”. Muhyiddin was expelled from Umno for questioning the affairs of 1MDB and the role of Najib Razak.
Syed Saddiq also pointed out that AirAsia had offered ticket discounts and extra flights during the recent election campaign, which had angered Najib’s supporters.
“It became worse when Parti Warisan Sabah publicised a poster thanking AirAsia as it meant that more of their supporters could return home to vote.”
Syed Saddiq also said that Fernandes had held firm and not asked former minister Rafidah Aziz to resign as chairman of AirAsia Group, after being pressured to do so.
He said Fernandes had helped Pakatan Harapan from the start, but could not acknowledge it in public, fearing repercussions. Syed Saddiq assured business and corporate leaders there would be no more repercussions for displaying their political leanings.
“PH will ensure that your right to openly criticise the government will be guaranteed. You can openly endorse opposition parties without the fear of being persecuted. We want a strong opposition. So businessmen, feel free to support any side,” he said.
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