If you haven’t heard, the dates for Season 1 LEAP has finally been announced! LEAP is all about bringing amateur e-sports and grassroots competitions back in action. Not just that, but several parliamentary constituents will be participating. Among them is MP Syahredzan Johan representing Bangi! 

Syahredzan Johan has continued to make waves in Malaysia’s legal and political spheres. He’s become a prominent figure known for his efforts in championing the rights of Malaysians. Most of us know Syahredzan as a respected lawyer. His expertise lies in constitutional and administrative law, which means he specializes in matters concerning the country’s constitution, government institutions, and the rights of citizens.

What sets Syahredzan apart is not only his deep knowledge of the law but also his passion for justice and equality. This man is no ordinary lawyer and he has continued to prove that time and time again. As a highly skilled lawyer, Syahredzan brings his extensive knowledge and expertise to the forefront. He is seen actively engaging with the public, sharing his perspectives through various platforms, and encouraging thoughtful discussions on important issues that shape the future of Malaysia.

Should I subscribe to Twitter Blue?

— Syahredzan Johan (@syahredzan) May 30, 2023

His warm demeanour makes him approachable and likeable. As seen on his social media, his ability to connect with others and make them feel comfortable contributes to his overall charm. An interesting fact you might not know about him is that he has a bit of a history with gaming! Syahredzan is a fan of single-player games, in which he appreciates the immersive and narrative experience.

We had the incredible opportunity to interview Syahredzan Johan on his insights on the esports scene in Malaysia and gaming as a whole. Here’s the interview!

How is the government promoting public awareness and understanding of esports as a legitimate and beneficial form of entertainment, sports, and culture?

Syahredzan Johan: Sadly, it is lacking. I think a lot of lawmakers and policymakers do not see gaming, and esports, as a legitimate form of sports and culture. At most, they see it as merely entertainment for entertainment’s sake.

How do you plan to counter misconceptions or negative perceptions about esports among the general public and policymakers in Malaysia?

SJ: I think esports stakeholders need to have more engagement with lawmakers and policymakers. This is important, as many misconceptions and negative perceptions are borne out of ignorance or lack of knowledge. Also, events such as LEAP where there is a collaboration between Members of Parliament and esports stakeholders would go some ways towards changing the perceptions of people about esports.

What efforts are being made to promote local content creation and broadcasting in esports, including support for local esports media, casting talent, and production companies?

SJ: More needs to be done in order to promote local content creation. This is being done by publications such as Kakuchopurei amongst others, and while they have some reach it is not enough. I see recently that RTM is embarking on a move to have esports content on their platforms. This is a welcome move, as RTM is accessible to the masses.

What is your opinion on the role of esports and gaming in education, particularly in relation to STEM subjects?

SJ: I am no expert on this, but I do think we need to explore the viability of using esports and gaming in STEM subjects. But again, this goes back to what I said earlier; gaming must be seen as a legitimate form of educational tool.

What games would you pick to play against your peers?

SJ: Fighting games. I do not think I am all that good, but I love a good fighting game. I cannot wait for the launch of Street Fighter 6 in June. It looks great, and from the many accounts of those who were lucky enough to try it out, it also plays great.

What is your opinion on the growing trend of professional esports leagues and teams?

SJ: It’s amazing!

Again, I am not an ardent follower of esports as I prefer to play alone or couch co-op and very rarely venture online, but I do enjoy watching good esports content on YouTube, especially with fighting games. Sometimes we forget how long ago Evo Moment 37 was and how far esports have come over the past few decades.

Have you ever participated in any esports or gaming events or tournaments, and if so, what was your experience like?

SJ: Unfortunately, I have never participated in esports. But I do remember participating in some gaming tournaments at my high school for our annual Canteen Day. It was Marvel v Capcom 2 and I got quite far with my team of Wolverine, Ryu and Iron Man. But I did not win.

What plans or initiatives are being considered to leverage esports as a tool for social development, community engagement, and youth empowerment, such as using esports for social inclusion, mental health awareness, and addressing social issues among Malaysian youth?

SJ: At the constituency level, LEAP would be the first gaming-related event that we are hosting. But we do hope that we are able to utilize this platform for youth empowerment and community engagement, especially to reach out to youths.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about esports and gaming, and how can it be addressed?

SJ: That it is merely entertainment, and this can only be addressed with engagement and exposure as I mentioned earlier.

What is your most memorable gaming achievement or accomplishment? / What is the most nostalgic video game for you, and why?

SJ: I am very proud of the fact that I actually completed the original Resident Evil 4. It is the only Resident Evil game I have completed thus far.

Also, you can never ever forget the time you fought Sephiroth in Final Fantasy 7. That epic music, his insane HP and the whole atmosphere. It took me some time, but I did it. I am also quite proud that I completed Suikoden 1, 2, 3, and 4 and got all 108 Stars of Destiny. Unfortunately, I did not manage to complete Suikoden 5. So I hope they bring it back for a remaster so that I can finally say that I managed to complete all 5 of Suikoden mainline games.

If you could have any superpower from a video game, which one would you choose, and why?

SJ: As a lawyer, I really would like to shout “OBJECTION” like Phoenix Wright. You just cannot do the same thing in the real court.

The LEAP 2023 SEASON 1: BANGI PRELIMINARIES details are below:

Date: Saturday, 17th June 2023
Time: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Venue: EVO Mall, Kompleks EVO, Jalan Medan 2D, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor

And you can register to be a part of it over here!