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Draft:Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz


Dato'
Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz
Born2 February 1970
Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Alma materUniversity of Science Malaysia University of Edinburgh
Occupation(s)Film Director, Film Producer, Screenwriter, Communications Strategist
Notable workPerempuan Melayu Terakhir Persona Non Grata
SpouseBariah Binti Ishak

Dato’ Syed Azidi Bin Syed Abdul Aziz (born 2 February 1970) is a film director and producer[1], communications strategist, political commentator, and author who has won two awards at the Malaysia Film Festival. He became a well-known political commentator through his blog Kickdefella, which was famous for criticising the leadership of Abdullah Badawi. In 2007, he served as a communications strategist for the Kelantan State Government through the Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated, where he was seen as a close ally of influential state executive council member Husam Musa. In 2020, Azidi served as Head of Corporate Communications at the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Early Life and Education

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Azidi was born on 2 February 1970 in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. He is the youngest of six siblings. His father, Syed Abdul Aziz, was a distinguished, celebrated, and respected Lieutenant Colonel in the Malaysian Armed Forces, and served as the Commanding Officer of the Royal Ranger Regiment[2][3]. Lt Col Syed Abdul Aziz was awarded various honours by the Federal and State Governments, including the Order of the Defender of the Realm[4][5]. His mother, Tuan Bidah binti Tuan Long, was the niece of former Kelantan Chief Minister, Nik Abdul Aziz.

Azidi received his primary education at Sultan Ismail II Primary School and his secondary education at the prestigious boarding school, Kelantan Science Secondary School (now known as Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra Science Secondary School). He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Science Malaysia in 1994. He later earned a Master of Arts from the University of Edinburgh, graduating as the top student of his cohort.

Filmmaker

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Azidi began directing and writing films in 1992. His first film, Lautan Di Waktu Subuh, was an experimental work based on a poem[6]. In 1993, his second film, Karamnya Bahtera Merdeka, earned him recognition as a talented young film director and writer when it was selected to represent Malaysia at the Tokyo International Student Film Festival, adjudicated by Colin Firth[7].

The following year, he once again captured attention when his film Potret Seorang Patriot won the Best Feature Film Award at the Film and Broadcasting Festival organised by the National University of Malaysia.

Azidi became a national sensation in 1999 when he won the Best Original Story Award at the 14th Malaysia Film Festival through his script Perempuan Melayu Terakhir, which received widespread acclaim. The film won a total of four awards.

In 2006, at the 19th Malaysia Film Festival, Azidi was presented with the Special Jury Award for Most Promising Director for his film Persona Non Grata, which received four nominations[8].

Azidi is the founder and executive director of the production company Saspintar Sdn Bhd.

Political Commentator and Communications Strategist

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Azidi became an influential political commentator through his blog, Kickdefella, which he founded in 2007. The blog received millions of views and visits each month at a time when internet connectivity and electronic devices were not yet widespread. Azidi became a national voice known for his outspoken criticism and scrutiny of Abdullah Badawi’s leadership.

Azidi played a greater role in challenging the Abdullah Badawi administration when he served as a communications strategist for the Kelantan State Government, led by the Islamic party PAS, through the Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated. During nearly three years of service for PAS Kelantan, Azidi developed a close relationship with the influential state executive councillor at the time, Husam Musa, who was widely speculated to be the next Kelantan Chief Minister. However, Azidi and Husam eventually had a public falling-out. Husam sued Azidi for RM5 million[9], which was eventually withdrawn, resulting in Husam paying Azidi an undisclosed sum[10]. After Azidi ceased serving PAS Kelantan, he revealed to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that he had received multi-million ringgit payments from the Kelantan State Government for his services[11][12][13].

After leaving PAS Kelantan in 2010, Azidi’s name emerged as a potential Barisan Nasional candidate in the Galas state by-election, under the Gua Musang parliamentary seat[14][15]. This was driven by the perception that Azidi understood the inner workings of PAS Kelantan and would be the best person to hold the state government accountable. Another factor was that Tengku Razaleigh, who was the Barisan Nasional Election Director, was a close friend of Azidi’s parents-in-law, both of whom were prominent Johor figures and had contested state and parliamentary seats under Tengku Razaleigh’s political party, Semangat 46 in the 1990s. The Galas state seat candidacy eventually went to Abdul Aziz Yusoff.

In 2020, Azidi was appointed as Head of Corporate Communications at the Ministry of Education Malaysia[16][17].

Controversies

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Investigation for Sedition

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Azidi was arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police on 17 September 2008, a day after Malaysia Day. He was investigated for allegedly making seditious remarks on 23 August 2008, when he called on Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down during Independence Day on 31 August to signify that the country was in a state of distress under the administration of Abdullah Badawi[18][19]. The ruling party, UMNO, mobilised its members to lodge police reports against Azidi.

After his arrest, Azidi was scheduled to be taken to the Bukit Aman Police Headquarters; however, the police changed their plans after a group of his supporters gathered, causing unrest in the area. He was instead taken to the Dang Wangi Police Station.

Azidi was released by the police on 20 September 2008 without any charges being brought against him. In a press conference after his release, Azidi challenged Abdullah Badawi to prosecute him. No charges were ever filed against Azidi[20].

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expressed his support for Azidi, stating that Abdullah Badawi had no justification for detaining him[21]. During his detention, prominent PAS leaders, including Kelantan EXCO Husam Musa and PAS Vice President Salahuddin Ayub, were present to show their support.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Incorporated (PMBK)

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Azidi was officially employed under the Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated (PMBK) while serving the state government. The Chief Executive Officer of PMBK at the time, Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman, was the son-in-law of Kelantan Menteri Besar, Nik Abdul Aziz.

In late 2009, it was reported that information regarding misconduct and criminal breach of trust by Ariffahmi had been leaked to Mohd Yusoff Ab Ghani, a Barisan Nasional state assemblyman. As a result, PMBK was raided by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)[22][23].

On 10 November 2009, Ariffahmi terminated Azidi’s contract, accusing him of being the whistleblower[24]. Azidi responded by revealing further misconduct, mismanagement, and abuse of power by Ariffahmi[25][26].

On 23 November 2009, thirteen days after Ariffahmi removed Azidi from PMBK, Ariffahmi was forced by his father-in-law, Nik Abdul Aziz, to resign as CEO of PMBK after PAS leaders, including Party President Abdul Hadi Awang and Vice Presidents Salahuddin Ayub and Mahfuz Omar, called for his resignation[27][28][29][30].

Axe Attack

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On 11 January 2010, Azidi’s house in Demit, Kubang Kerian, was attacked at midnight when an individual stopped in front of his house and threw an axe at his car, shattering the rear window. Police and members of the media arrived at the scene immediately[31].

Azidi claimed that the day before, he had been informed by a member of a political party that there were individuals threatening to harm him and his family following his outspoken and persistent criticism of Kelantan Menteri Besar, Nik Abdul Aziz, his family, and the state government. Azidi’s criticism had led to the resignation of Ariffahmi from PMBK over various alleged misconduct[32][33].

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission

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In 2010, Azidi revealed to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that he had received lucrative multi-million ringgit payments in less than three years from PAS Kelantan to run a campaign against Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. Azidi made this disclosure after his relationship with PAS Kelantan had broken down, and he accused the party of practising corruption and abuse of power. His allegations undermined the perception that PAS Kelantan was “clean” and did not use money to achieve its political objectives[34].

Bibliography

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Wajah Pemimpin Rakyat: Foto Jurnal Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz (1 January 2008)

Purnama Retak Seribu (7 January 2010)

Bazar Tok Guru: Dari Ruang Niaga ke Lubang Kubur (9 October 2010)

TPPA: Jawapan Kepada Kebimbangan, Salah Faham, dan Tuduhan (31 December 2015)

Pencinta Dari Timur (1 January 2019)

Hikayat Harimau Ulung: Seribu Tahun Daulah Nusa (24 October 2024)

Personal Life

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Azidi married into an affluent and well-established Johor family from Muar. His wife, Bariah Ishak is the great-granddaughter of Orang Kaya Abu Bakar, who founded Parit Bakar in Muar. They have four children.

Honours

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  1. ^ User, Super. "Our Notable Alumni". communication.usm.my. Archived from the original on 2025-07-24. Retrieved 2025-08-12. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  2. ^ "Serang Hendap Komunis Di Tanjung Batu Babi, 1971 - The Patriots". 2017-08-05. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  3. ^ Hamzah, Ali (2022). "Berita Tenter Darat" (PDF).
  4. ^ Government, Malaysia (1972). "SENARAI PENUH PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT PERSEKUTUAN TAHUN 1972" (PDF).
  5. ^ Government, Malaysia (2025). "Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang, dan Pingat".
  6. ^ "Penulis blog Kickdefella direman dua hari - Semasa | mStar". www.mstar.com.my. 2008-09-18. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  7. ^ "Karamnya Bahtera Merdeka ke peringkat akhir FFICS | KLiK". www.klik.com.my. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  8. ^ "Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz | Writer, Director". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  9. ^ "Husam saman Kickdefella RM5 juta". Malaysiakini. 2011-09-19. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  10. ^ "Husam, Kickdefella reach settlement". The Edge Malaysia. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  11. ^ Othman, Jimadie Shah (2010-04-29). "Motif sebenar Kickdefella dedah terima RM4 juta". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  12. ^ "Isu gerak saraf RM4 juta: Husam enggan jawab". Malaysiakini. 2010-05-05. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  13. ^ "Umno Kelantan Sifatkan Tindakan PAS Peruntuk RM4 Juta Burukkan BN Sebagai Keji - Semasa | mStar". www.mstar.com.my. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  14. ^ "Kickdefella may run for Barisan". The Star. 2010-10-07. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  15. ^ Mirror, Malaysia (7 October 2010). "Kickdefella may be BN Candidate" (PDF).
  16. ^ NOOR, MOHD HUSNI MOHD (2021-08-21). "Radzi berjaya kendalikan KPM dalam tempoh sukar". Kosmo Digital (in Malay). Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  17. ^ "Kerjasama dekati khalayak sasaran". www.utusanborneo.com.my (in Malay). 2020-08-18. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  18. ^ "Penulis blog Kickdefella ditahan bawah Akta Hasutan - Semasa | mStar". www.mstar.com.my. 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  19. ^ "Malaysia arrests second blogger". 2008-09-18. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  20. ^ "Blogger Kickdefella released | RSF". rsf.org. 2008-09-20. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  21. ^ Star, The (19 September 2008). "Dr M: No Justification for Arrest of Kickdefella" (PDF).
  22. ^ "SPRM: Jangan spekulasi siasatan PMBK". Malaysiakini. 2009-11-09. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  23. ^ "SPRM serbu pejabat PMBK | KLiK". www.klik.com.my. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  24. ^ Othman, Jimadie Shah (2009-11-11). "'Saya tahu dalang pemecatan saya'". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  25. ^ "KRISIS TERBARU DI KELANTAN: Blogger Kickdefella Ancam Dedah Salah Laku Dalam Perbadanan MB Kelantan - Semasa | mStar". www.mstar.com.my. 2009-11-12. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  26. ^ "Siasatan ke atas menantu Nik Aziz diteruskan: SPRM". Malaysiakini. 2011-01-27. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  27. ^ AZHAR, SYED (2009-11-24). "Syed Azidi: I feel vindicated 'I hope Tok Guru has learnt lesson'". The Star. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  28. ^ "Menantu Nik Aziz letak jawatan". Malaysiakini. 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  29. ^ Othman, S. Pathmawathy dan Jimadie Shah (2009-12-07). "Ariffahmi, letak jawatan segera: Mahfuz". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  30. ^ "Hadi salahkan penasihat Nik Aziz isu lantik menantu". Malaysiakini. 2009-12-01. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  31. ^ "Kereta Penulis Kickdefella Dibaling Kapak - Semasa | mStar". www.mstar.com.my. 2010-01-11. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  32. ^ Othman, Jimadie Shah (2010-01-11). "Penulis blog diancam 'kapak terbang'". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  33. ^ superuser (2010-01-12). "Kickdefella blogger threatened with an axe". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 2025-08-12. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  34. ^ "Puteri Umno gesa Nik Aziz beri reaksi". Malaysiakini. 2010-05-03. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
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