PETALING JAYA – In the aftermath of Muda’s decision to contest the upcoming state elections independently, party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman revealed that his party’s requests to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) have fallen on deaf ears.
During a virtual town hall session, Syed Saddiq addressed queries behind the reasons that the youth-based party did not throw support behind the government for the state elections.
“We have reached out to PH many times, not just once or twice,” he said.
However, Syed Saddiq expressed concern about compromising Muda’s principles in exchange for seats and positions, citing the unfairness it would impose on the people who have placed their hopes in the party.
Muda’s independent candidacy aims to be the voice of conscience for the people and establish a system of checks and balances within the party’s leadership, Syed Saddiq said.
Acknowledging the significant risks associated with their decision, Syed Saddiq affirmed that regardless of the election’s outcome, Muda will persist in its pursuit of reform and a new brand of politics for Malaysia.
“As newcomers to politics, we lack experience and the advantage of a patronage system,” he said.
“Even if it takes 20 to 30 years, Muda is here to stay. Our focus is on investing in Malaysia’s development to make it a great and prosperous nation.”
Stop fear-mongering
Syed Saddiq firmly rejected the notion that Muda’s participation would split votes for the government, criticising the use of fear-mongering as a means to justify incompetence, complacency, and ignorance in Malaysian politics.
Earlier today, Syed Saddiq announced that Muda would run as an independent party in the upcoming state elections, directly competing against PH and Barisan Nasional, despite being part of the government coalition.
Last week, Muda’s communications chief, Luqman Long, said that PH had ignored their requests for collaboration since Muda expressed its intention to join the coalition.
No discussions have been held regarding Muda’s application, he added.
These comments came in response to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s statement, suggesting that Muda’s cooperation with the coalition during the state polls would be determined by PH.
However, Muda refuted this claim, pointing out that they had engaged in unofficial discussions on cooperation with PH since the Johor election in March 2020.
The Selangor polls are expected to take place in August, following the consent of the Selangor sultan for the state assembly’s dissolution on June 23.
Selangor will be one of six states holding elections this year, alongside Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Negri Sembilan. – The Vibes, June 26, 2023
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