KUALA LUMPUR – PKR party members have not taken too kindly to Muda’s sudden decision to compete against them for the Larkin state seat in the looming Johor election.
In a Facebook post following the unveiling, Johor PKR Youth chief Yuneswaran Ramaraj urged the Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council to reconsider working together with the party for the state polls.
Alleging that Muda’s move has proven that the party prioritises personal agenda over the common victory of forming a state government, he accused the party of breaking prior accords.
“There was an agreement between component parties of PH that the Larkin seat would be contested by a candidate from PKR, but today, Muda announced its candidate for the seat.
“PH leaders must be firm about working together with Muda, because they have breached the promise of a joint agreement,” he said, adding that he is sure Muda will continue to put up candidates until nomination day on February 26.
The youth leader slammed Muda and described it as an “opportunist” party that does not keep its promises.
He then questioned the infant party’s loyalty towards the PH coalition if they succeeded in forming a state administration.
Yogeswaran also pointed out Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s supposed “open U-turn” on his earlier statement, where he had assured that the party will not contest in areas PH had run for in the 14th general election.
Unification of opposition parties affected by Muda: Perak PKR chief
Expressing similar sentiments, Perak PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak demanded for a tit-for-tat retaliation, saying that his party should then send a candidate to contest in a constituency that was previously given to the youth party – specifically the Puteri Wangsa seat.
“If Muda continues to act like a big brother, there will be no benefits to working together, and they should choose a similar road to Pejuang and Warisan.
“Muda’s attitude will not only affect the harmony of political cooperation. The broader context of grassroots sentiments and the possibilities that will unfold ahead of polling day must also be considered,” said Farhash, adding that efforts towards the unification of opposition parties have been impacted by Muda’s call.
Muda president tossing aside PH consensus for personal ambitions: PKR Youth election director
Chiming in, PKR Youth election director Fahmi Zainol claimed that this is not the first time Muda has purposefully fanned fires in the opposition bloc.
He observed that Syed Saddiq’s outfit has made it increasingly obvious that it is fomenting trouble among the opposition instead of focusing their energies on taking down their main target in the current ruling administration.
“As a youth leader, I am disappointed in Syed Saddiq for throwing away the PH consensus for the sake of his personal ambitions,” he said, adding that as a party member, he will abide by any decisions made by supreme leaders of the party.
“PKR Youth is standing by with maximum election machinery to face anyone, be they friend or foe,” he said in a statement addressing the matter.
Muda’s actions do not align with leaders’ claims: PKR student wing chief
Besides that, PKR student wing chief Syamil Luthfi, in a brief statement, labeled the move as one that will harm the opposition while benefiting their opponents.
“The actions of Muda do not line up with what has been advocated by their leaders who claim to practise mature and dignified politics.
“Our goal is an institutional and economic reform of Johor in particular and Malaysia in general for the sake of a brighter future. This can only be achieved through a mutual consensus,” he said.
Earlier today, Syed Saddiq said in a press conference that Muda’s state information chief Rasid Abu Bakar will be vying for the Larkin constituency.
So far, PKR and Umno have already announced their candidates for the seat, with Zamil Najwah Arbain representing the PH component and Mohd Hairi Mad Shah fighting under the Barisan Nasional banner.
The seat currently belongs to Bersatu’s Mohammad Izhar Ahmad, who won the constituency in the last general election. – The Vibes, February 24, 2022
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