KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim downplayed Muda’s lack of involvement with his coalition in the upcoming Melaka elections, pointing to “technical problems” that led to no fielding of candidates for the youth-led group.
After announcing the candidates for Pakatan Harapan (PH) at a press conference, Anwar confirmed that talks were recently held with at least three Muda leaders, but he declined to elaborate on the details of the discussions.
“I’m not at liberty to announce anything, but the fact is that there were discussions held with all three party leaders. We were amenable to that (discussion on candidates) initially, but I think there were some technical problems,” Anwar said.
“I think they will announce (the matter) separately.”
Anwar made the remark around an hour before Muda party founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman lambasted PH for fielding “political frogs” and prioritising power.
He was quizzed by a reporter on the outcome of discussions with Muda leaders over political cooperation in Melaka.
Syed Saddiq said Muda decided to pull out when the PH leadership decided to field former Umno veteran, as well as incumbent Sg Udang rep Datuk Seri Idris Haron and his followers.
PH had confirmed that Idris will be running for the Asahan seat as part of PKR’s 11-seat allocation, while Pantai Kundor incumbent and former Umno rep Datuk Nor Azman Hassan will defend his seat under the PH banner as part of Amanah’s nine-seat allocation.
“For nearly two weeks, Muda has been discussing with PH to form a united opposition front in the state election. Unfortunately, PH decided in the end to field and prioritise the political frogs that triggered the fall of the Melaka administration," Syed Saddiq said.
“Muda rejects the politics of frogs (party-hoppers), undignified politics, and politics without principles that have caused problems for the public, which have led to the waste of RM42 million (of taxpayer money) for a state election amid the pandemic.
“Muda has made the decision not to be together with PH for this state election because we do not want to carry that brand of undignified politics without any values. We have taken the decision to sit out this election. We don’t want to prioritise seats over principles.
“We want to carry politics based on values and policies, not political frogs,” he said in his harsh criticism of opposition coalition.
The Muar MP called for Melaka folk to reject “politics without value” that demeaned their rights as voters during the 2018 general election.
But, contrary to Syed Saddiq’s tune, Anwar had indicated cordial talks with the Muda leaders, saying both sides had “very fruitful discussions”.
“That (discussion) was earlier, but of course it (fielding of Muda candidates) did not materialise,” Anwar said. – The Vibes, November 6, 2021
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