In the 2018 general election, Syed Abu Hussin made his electoral debut after being nominated by BN to contest for the Bukit Gantang federal seat.
He also called on former Prime Ministers Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob to work with Anwar in developing the nation and realising the Malaysia Madani agendas as well as setting aside their political differences.
He also explained that he had made the decision as he felt sidelined by the BERSATU party leadership and it did nothing to help him in getting the government allocations for Bukit Gantang.
On 28 January 2024, Syed Abu Hussin became the first opposition MP in support of the government to be appointed to a government position after Anwar named Syed Abu Hussin to lead a committee under the National Action Council on the Cost of Living (NACCOL) and tasked him to coordinate efforts to handle the matters related to the cost of living.
Syed Abu Hussin also clarified that he was being paid as the Chairman of NACCOL committee and was offered the position by Prime Minister Anwar.