He served as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs in the PH administration under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad from July 2018 to the collapse of the PH administration in February 2020, Member of Parliament (MP) for Kulim-Bandar Baharu from May 2018 to November 2022 and for Machang from March 2008 to May 2013 as well as Member of the Penang State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Pantai Jerejak from May 2018 to August 2023 and Kedah MLA for Lunas from November 2000 to March 2004.

On 9 December 2022, Saifuddin stated that he had been briefed by Immigration Department officials about a viral video and photos circulating on social media, depicting emaciated detainees allegedly at the Kimanis detention center who were seen appealing to be freed and speaking about their ill-treatment.

[14] Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) had expressed that it was unacceptable and contrary to good governance for Saifuddin to outrightly dismiss the complaints made by a detainee in a video, instead of ordering an inquiry.

The watches were confiscated based on the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which is criticized by some as draconian and often utilized to prevent content that may offend or undermine race relations.

The incident took place in a country where LGBT individuals face discrimination due to the illegality of homosexuality and the potential penalties of imprisonment and corporal punishment for sodomy, although enforcement is infrequent.

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek expressed disagreement, asserting that the watches, which carry a message of peace and love, should not be considered harmful.

Despite the seizure, Swatch Malaysia's marketing manager, Sarah Kok, confirmed that they would continue replenishing stock and displaying the watches as instructed by the Swiss headquarters.

The company expressed confusion over the enforcement unit's actions, wondering how they would handle the numerous natural rainbows that occur frequently in Malaysia's skies.

[24][25][26] On 10 August 2023, under the leadership of Saifuddin, the home ministry has banned all Swatch products that contain any elements related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) individuals, whether on the watches themselves, their boxes, or wrappers.