For the 19th Middle Malaysia podcast, media consultant Oon Yeoh speaks to Saifuddin Abdullah, the deputy minister for higher education and MP for Temerloh.

Regarded by many as the most credible and consistent voice of reason and moderation in BN, Saifuddin talks a bit about his background which molded his idealism. He also explains how a former student activist like him ended up in Umno.

NONE He insists that Umno is a lot more inclusive and tolerant of diverse voices than people give it credit for, and cites himself as testament of that. Yet, he admits that at times, he finds himself alone among his colleagues, in advocating the progressive views that he holds.

He nevertheless defends Prime Minister Najib Razak, who faced criticisms that he flip-flopped on his reforms agenda. He refutes Dr Mahathir Mohamad's views that the upcoming general elections will be the most racialistic one ever.

When asked to predict the timing for the election, he indicates that it probably wouldn't happen too soon. However, he is very confident of BN's chances of winning the elections.

He also answers the question whether he would entertain any overtures from Pakatan Rakyat, should the opposition manage to wrest control of Putrajaya.

Lastly, he explain the basis for his motto - that the measure of leader is not the number of enemies he vanquishes, but the number of enemies he wins over as friends. Basketball, it seems, plays a big role in that!

Listen to Saifuddin in this 12-minute podcast .

 

Previous podcasts

Podcast 1: Tian Chua, Batu MP

Podcast 2: S Ambiga, Bersih coordinator

Podcast 3: Kee Thuan Chye, author and playwright

Podcast 4: Teresa Kok, Selangor senior exco

Podcast 5: Wan Saiful Wan Jan, CEO of Ideas

Podcast 6: Lim Guan Eng, Penang CM

Podcast 7: Maria Chin, Empower chief    

Podcast 8: Liew Chin Tong, Bukit Bendera MP

Podcast 9: Bersih Atlanta trio prepares for rally

Podcast 10: War correspondent Zan Azlee on Bersih 3.0

Podcast 11: Nurul Izzah, Lembah Pantai MP

Podcast 12: Edmund Bon, LoyarBurok

Podcast 13: Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Institute CEO

Podcast 14: Long Seh Lih, co-founder of LoyarBurok

Podcast 15: Foong Cheng Leong, KL Bar IT Committee

Podcast 16: Wong Chin Huat - will there be Bersih 4.0?

Podcast 17: Tricia Yeoh, former aide to Selangor MB

Podcast 18: Sim Tze Tzin, Pantai Jerejak state rep