It is not uncommon to hear the youth cite feeling intimidated as a reason for not taking any interest in politics. This is not surprising as politics is a complex topic and information about it remains largely inaccessible.
However, millennial politician Syed Saddiq showed that rap music can be used to make political discussions friendlier and easier to understand.
In a tweet shared yesterday, the Muar MP shared a video of him spitting bars with 3 Malaysian content creators, Vikneswaran (@vikarworld), Jiven (jivensekar) and Vishfro (vishfro). He tweeted, “Happy Deepavali to all my brothers and sisters. Let’s work together to make Malaysia better. ??”
Essentially, the rap is about how Malaysian politics cannot continue to centre around race and religion because needs-based policies are now more relevant than race-based policies.
Yes, that sounds like something that Malaysians have been discussing since forever with little improvement, but this rap is still worth a listen!
In the video, Syed faced off with the 3 guys in a rap battle as they go after him on issues which plague the Indian community in Malaysia such as systemic and social discrimination.
We won’t say more because you have to listen to it to fully appreciate it but we are definitely digging the rhymes and wordplay!
Netizens have mixed reactions
However, as we all know, you can never please everyone. Some praised Syed and the content creators for their creativity whilst others cringed at the YB’s attempt in bringing together politics and rap.
“I applause you for the effort. Let’s not keep this as just lyrics,” praised one netizen.
Another asked netizens to focus on the content of the rap instead of how cringe it might be. “Listen to the message… in their raps. The Indian community doesn’t need handouts. We want equal access to education, job opportunities and dignified wages.”
Watch the full video below:
Happy Deepavali to all my brothers and sisters.
Let's work together to make Malaysia better. ??
Spittin bars with @vikarworld, @jivensekar & @vishfro ? pic.twitter.com/QoSxadqNvH
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) October 23, 2022
The rhymes in the rap are so satisfying we can’t stop listening to it! What do you think about it? Is it meaningful or simply cringey?
Also read: Syed Saddiq Makes Surprise Cameo In Namewee’s MV “Katak”, Racks Up 1.2 Million Views In 3 Days