Behind the Suits: YBs Unplugged.

Naema
Nov 21, 2025
5 min read

Politics. What usually comes to mind when you hear that word? Complicated. Intimidating. Distant. But somehow, during Fireside Exchange: YBs Unplugged, an event hosted by SPIR-Nott featuring two Malaysian Members of Parliament, my perspective shifted, or at least I laughed enough to actually pay attention.

For students who aren't directly involved in political parties or government, events like these are so important. They provide a space for young people to engage with political leaders in a fun, approachable setting.

The session brought together YB Tuan Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai) and YB Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota) for a relaxed fireside chat where students were free to ask questions about policies, youth involvement, global affairs, and Malaysia’s future.

“Politics is everywhere. Your shirt, your shoes, your phone, everything is related to policy.” —YB Tuan Suhaizan bin Kaiat

Serving as a reminder that for Malaysia to be a safe, successful and prosperous nation, the youth have an important role to play, not just as observers, but as active participants who question, learn, and care about the direction our nation is heading. When young people begin to see politics as more than arguments or policies, but as the foundation of daily life, the clothes we wear, the roads we take, the freedoms we enjoy, that is when real change can begin.

Photo Credits: YB Dato' Sri Saifuddin Abdullah's Media Officer

Who Are They?

The evening featured YB Suhaizan and YB Saifuddin Abdullah, two MPs who mix politics, community, and education like pros. YB Suhaizan, a former Speaker and ex-lecturer, shared stories that combined real-world government experience with academic know-how. YB Dato’ Sri Saifuddin, who’s been Minister of Foreign Affairs, Communications & Multimedia, and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, added his years of public service and policy insights with a dash of humour.

They gave us a peek behind the curtain of Malaysian politics, sharing lessons, funny tales, and practical advice. It wasn’t just about policies or strategy; it was about real-life choices that touch our daily lives, and how young people can actually be part of it. From why some buildings magically get a new coffee shop while others stay empty, to who decides which potholes get fixed first, or even why our favourite apps work the way they do, it made politics feel somewhat… human. By the end, we weren't just listening to government stuff; we were thinking about how we can ask questions, pay attention, and maybe even make a difference.

Life Behind the Scenes

Politics isn’t only speeches, papers, and suits. It can actually be kind of relatable and even funny. YB Tuan Suhaizan Kaiat had us laughing with stories about juggling rules, politics, and daily community needs. Behind the meetings and headlines, there’s a lot going on that we don’t usually see: long nights, tricky choices, and lots of problem-solving.

Even the tiniest rules decided by the government can influence our everyday lives. Politics isn’t distant or untouchable; it’s basically everywhere. YB Suhaizan reminded us that staying curious and asking questions is how young people can start understanding, and maybe even shaping the world around them.

Frequently, the sweetest lessons hide in the most serious jobs, and noticing them can make politics feel surprisingly human and even a little fun. — Naema

YB Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah also showed us the life behind the headlines. He had everyone giggling with a story about being stuck on a long flight with mountains of documents, thinking, “This is democracy… but at 35,000 feet!” It was a cute reminder that politicians are people too, juggling work, travel, and unexpected chaos, just like the rest of us. It was clear; politics suddenly felt less scary, more human, and kind of fun. Whether it’s roads, apps, or community issues, the work behind the scenes shapes our lives more than we realise. As YB Suhaizan said, “If you care, ask questions, and pay attention, even young people can make a difference.”

Suddenly, it made sense.

Hearing their stories suddenly made so much sense, things I hadn't thought much about before, like federal policies, foreign affairs, even the tiniest rule clicks.

YB Suhaizan shared stories like the housing situation in Taman Cempaka, where 30-year-old buildings need serious maintenance. He broke down the tricky mix of urban planning, federal policy, and everyday life in a way that made us think, “Ahh, that’s why some areas feel… chaotic.” He also talked about federalism and decentralisation: “Education and healthcare should give states more autonomy,” he said. It wasn’t just numbers or policies; he showed how even small government choices ripple into our streets, schools, and jobs.

Then YB Saifuddin Abdullah took the stage with his warm “uncle vibes,” turning the session into a casual kopi chat. He covered Malaysia’s foreign policy, technology, AI, and yes, quantum computing. Even discussions on rare earth elements and international deals came alive with his humour, jokes about Chinese Coast Guard boats (and dolphins!) had everyone laughing while actually learning. It was proof that politics, tech, and global issues don’t have to feel intimidating as they can be approachable, fun, and surprisingly human.

Why Youth Engagement Actually Matters

Both YBs stressed the importance of young people getting involved in their own way. “For Malaysia to thrive, youth must take politics seriously, starting now,” YB Suhaizan said. YB Saifuddin added that you don’t need to join a party to make a difference, volunteer, advocate, or just learn.

One of the best points? Politics can connect with your everyday passions. Start tutoring, volunteering, or focusing on environmental work. Slowly, you build real experience and authenticity. By the time you enter politics, you’re not just following the rules; you’ve lived them. They also talked about transparency, corruption, and business incentives. YB Saifuddin joked, “If I were a shareholder in your company, I’d make it easy for you to profit because then I profit too.” Funny, but also a reminder that politics touches the economy, jobs, and investments.

Backbone 101

I had the chance to sit right next to Datin Sri Norlin, wife of Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah. During the event, her presence was instantly calming, warm, and quietly powerful. She has this way of making you feel seen and heard, even in a room full of people. Just being near her, you could sense her quiet strength and confidence despite us freezing in the hall. It’s the kind of presence that reminds you that being supportive doesn’t mean losing yourself, and that having a backbone is just as important as being kind. After the event, I mustered the courage to ask her a few questions, and she didn’t just answer; they were thoughtful, encouraging, and full of advice for young people trying to find their way.

She reminded me, in the most gentle yet firm way, how important it is to have a backbone, to stay independent and strong even when life, or politics, gets chaotic. Her quiet confidence and support left me thinking, “Wow, this is what true strength looks like.” — Naema

She casually dropped one line that stuck with me: “You must have a strong mind. Independent. Mentally strong. A husband in politics won’t always have time, so you must be independent to help the family.” I literally nodded like, yep, life goals. Her words reminded me that leadership isn’t just speeches and policies; it’s behind the scenes, in quiet strength, resilience, and being supportive even when the chaos hits.

Not so scary after all

Soooo…what do I think? I came in expecting politics to be stiff and boring. But after the event held by SPIR-Nott, Fireside Exchange: YBs Unplugged, I realised it can be human, funny and surprisingly insightful. Between the uncle jokes, life advice, and policy breakdowns, it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening nights, full of stories that actually make you care about what's happening around you.

Politics doesn't have to be intimidating. It's about staying curious, asking questions, and even having a laugh along the way. Turns out, it's not snooze-worthy at all.