PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — Malaysia's youngest minister at age 25 Syed Saddiq Abd Rahman said today his appointment is not his achievement alone but reflects the “success” of all Malaysian youths.

The youth and sports minister added that he hoped to prove his generation has what it takes to forge ahead through his work.

“The best way forward now is for me to respond through the work I do, as this is not about me.

“This has been a success for all the youth as we have made history,” he told reporters after clocking in for the first time at the ministry here this morning.

The Muar MP also said he is open to criticism.

“I take the criticism with an open heart from both friends and foes,” he said.

He added that he does not see an online petition for Pakatan Harapan Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, 36, as a slight.

His predecessor Khairy Jamaluddin, who was also present, called on Malaysians to support Syed Saddiq despite his age.

“Syed Saddiq is very capable and I hope Malaysians will give him a chance. Let us not look at his age, it is just a number.

“Let us judge him based on his achievements and capabilities,” he said after officially handing over the portfolio earlier today.

The Rembau MP had, in an earlier private meeting, advised Syed Saddiq on how the Ministry can be improved and the challenges it faced under his five-year administration.

“We have exchanged views on how we can work together with other ministries to champion the youth agenda.

“We have a good minister that can channel a good image and maintain a good relationship with other ministries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq announced that a plan to revive the physical education syllabus in schools was in the pipeline.

“To have a performing youth whose capabilities are holistic in nature, we must start nurturing them from a young age.

“I believe my good relationship with the Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik would be able to help realise this aspiration,” he said, adding further announcements will be made in the near future.

Also present was Syed Saddiq’s deputy minister Steven Sim and his predecessor Datuk S. Saravanan.