Syed Saddiq: Tony was forced to endorse Barisan

PETALING JAYA: As netizens label Tan Sri Tony Fernandes as a “traitor”, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has come to the AirAsia Group CEO’s defence.

Syed Saddiq described Tony as a hero who was wrongfully accused.

“I couldn’t share it before because we were imprisoned by the politics of fear,” Syed Saddiq said in a statement on Facebook yesterday.

“Activists, politicians and busi- nessmen who were not in line with the (then) ruling party’s ideology were threatened and pushed to a corner,” he said.

Fernandes has received brickbats for shooting a video of him praising former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, covering one of AirAsia’s aircraft in Barisan Nasional’s election slogan, and for changing the cabin crew’s signature red uniform to Barisan’s deep blue.

Syed Saddiq explained that Fernandes was forced to openly declare his support for Barisan after infuriating Najib’s circle.

He said Fernandes was one of the first to help Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin when the former deputy prime minister was expelled for speaking out against Najib .

“He was once again a hero when AirAsia offered discounted flights and added flights during the elec- tion period,” Syed Saddiq added.

Despite being under pressure, Tony also did not punish AirAsia X board of director Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz for speaking out against Najib.

“Those actions came with a cost and he has to pay for it,” he said.

As a result, Fernandes was forced to declare his support for Barisan.

“This story is based on my own personal knowledge. Tony has helped us from the start, but can’t disclose it to the public due to the fear of repression,” Syed Saddiq added, pleading for Malaysians not to label him as a “traitor”.

He goes on to promise the people’s right to openly criticise the now-ruling government, Pakatan Harapan, without fear.

“We want a strong opposition. So businessmen, feel free to support any sides. We are now living in a new Malaysia,” he said.