Syed Saddiq Completes 200km Protest Run in Four Days, Raises RM160,000

Not many people can even complete a 20km run, but politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman managed to cover an impressive 200km across four days. The run aimed to demand a parliamentary allocation for opposition MPs of RM4 million annually or RM20 million per term, as received by government MPs.

The Muar MP who was was convicted of criminal breach of trust and money laundering managed to raise RM101,006 in 48 hours and a total of RM160,000 by the end of the run, dubbed ‘Langkah Muar’. He received donations online and some donors even handed him cash during his run.

Syed Saddiq started the run on Friday (28 June), beginning at Jambatan Sultan Ibrahim Muar, Johor, and covering other towns like Alor Gajah, Melaka, and Rembau Negeri Sembilan before finishing at the Parliament building at the KLCC centre around 9:30 am on July 1. He said he would immediately enter the building to follow a debate session.

Syed Saddiq ran through the rain, hot sun, and steep hills and his legs started to cramp up at some points. His fit physique could also be seen as he wore a sleeveless shirt. He is known to be athletic, even joining the world's biggest run-bike duathlon, Powerman Malaysia this year.

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Running with a purpose

Syed Saddiq had also previously said that the run was also aimed at raising RM100,000 for the Muar service centre to ensure it could continue operating and assisting people.

As told to NST, he said, "Government MPs are given RM4 million a year and RM20 million per term, which is a stark difference. While it may be impossible to reach RM20 million, it can help us keep the Muar service centre open, pay staff salaries, and provide aid to those in need."

"Instead of waiting for empty promises from the government, it is better that we take action. We hope to eventually raise the funds and send a clear protest message, representing the people of Muar and Malaysia so that we can amend the law to ensure all parliamentary constituencies receive fair allocations."

What do you think of his feat? Let us know in the comments.

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