Malaysia appoints youngest-ever minister at 25! Is this a record for Asia’s polity?

We know the land that calls itself truly Asia for its mesmeric charms and, a mountainous landscape. Also, being home to the tallest skyscraper in the country makes Malaysia an engineering and construction marvel of a rare kind.

Well, in case you were thinking that was the only thing worth lauding about the country of Genting Islands, then think again.

In making a surprise political move that has got everyone stunned, Malaysia just crowned a 25-year-old politician. A young man by the name of Syed Saddiq was appointed as the Youth and Sports Minister.

Never before in the history of the south-east Asian country has such a terrific move been taken. Perhaps, at this point in time, it still remains unclear whether this is a record for the entire Asian continent for someone being sworn in as a minister at the tender (well, in the political landscape that is what it can be called) age.

Anyhow, on Monday, July 2, 2018- Malaysia witnessed truly a historic day as the country got not only the youngest-ever minister in any spectrum of political functioning but also its youngest-ever Youth and Sports Minister.

But, that told, Syed Saddiq’s appointment as the Youth and Sports minister did not occur alone. He was sworn in, together with 13 ministers and 23 deputy ministers as a literal star-studded ceremony took place amid a besotted Malaysian King, the Hon’ble Sultan Muhammad V.

A pleasant looking, bespectacled young man, full of enthusiasm and spark- perhaps it is youth like Syed Saddiq that many a country needs in its polity today. At a time where most of his contemporaries may certainly be embarking on corporate endeavours or other higher-academic pursuits, here’s an earnest young man who has already assumed charge of an interesting portfolio of the country.

The previous serving minister in the post of Sports and Youth Ministry was a bit older than the current 25-year-old Syed Saddiq.

Syed Saddiq’s predecessor, Khairy Jamaluddin, was the country’s youngest minister in 2013 when he was appointed to the Cabinet at the age of 37.

Mr. Khairy on Twitter congratulated the new minister, saying that he hoped Syed Saddiq would be able to “bring greater success” to the ministry.

Honoured to be serving his vibrant country, Syed Saddiq admitted that his appointment was a landmark, rather milestone moment of his life and an honour he would be most willing to carry out in the best possible capacity.

Focused on the drive and culture of the youth, among the biggest endeavour of Syed Saddiq- according to the Youth and Sports Minister himself- is to bring about a change in the attitude and culture of the youth in his Malaysia.

A law graduate who obtained an important degree from the International Islamic Law University, Syed Saddiq, one among the four siblings, asserted that a part of his main agenda would be the inclusiveness of youth in the affairs of the country.

For Malaysia, the youth continue to be an important part of the development agenda of the nation.

In his own words, Syed Saddiq added, “The government today is an inclusive government and always prioritises merit in ideas and contributions regardless of age and background.”

He also has to his credit, the celebrated achievement of winning prestigious Asia’s Best Speaker Award at the celebrated Asian British Parliament Debating Championship. This is a rare honour that can only be won by erudite debaters and the gentleman has secured it on three previous occasions.

It can be said, an incredible future awaits Syed Sadiq given his intelligence, talent and, for possessing a responsible head over his shoulders. It seems, the country is in for a bright future! Bravo Malaysia.