[UPDATED] Muda officially a political party, gets RoS nod

KUALA LUMPUR – The long wait is finally over for Muda as it was formally registered as a party by the Registrar of Societies (RoS) last Thursday.

Party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said Muda received an email from RoS on December 23 informing the party of the matter, before an official letter of registration was issued on Monday.

“This is great news,” the Muar MP said in a virtual press conference today.

He said Muda did not announce its official registration earlier as its members were focused on flood relief efforts across the country.

“Muda’s leaders were hard at work serving the nation. I was personally in Pahang during this period, and the internet connection was very weak, while the phone line was spotty.

“Other members were also stationed in other affected areas. At the same time, our priority is to serve the people. We don't want the flood crisis to be overshadowed by political news.”

Syed Saddiq thanked the judiciary for upholding the spirit of democracy and the federal constitution, and ensuring that Muda is given the right to be registered. 

Similarly, he expressed gratitude to the federal government for not appealing the court’s decision on December 14, ordering the Home Ministry to register the party within two weeks. The ministry was ordered to pay RM10,000 in costs as well.

“We are not here to exert revenge, that is why we thank the government. Our focus is not to squabble for power, but to give our best service to ensure Malaysia becomes a developed nation.” 

Muda initially filed for registration on September 17 last year, but its application was rejected multiple times before the party took the matter to court in April. 

60,000 members and counting

According to Syed Saddiq, Muda currently boasts 60,000 Malaysian members of various backgrounds and age groups, with the oldest aged 84. 

He said the party has recorded a surge in membership among those aged between 40 and 60, after seeing its flood relief efforts during the past week. 

“These are parents who want a better future for their children, and grandparents who want to see their grandchildren inherit a Malaysia that is prosperous.

“When I was in Temerloh, Pahang, recently, I met many pakcik and makcik asking me how they can register for Muda...once we announce our party formalisation, the number of members will increase rapidly.” 

Asked on how Muda will compete in an already-congested political landscape, Syed Saddiq expressed confidence that the diversity his party offers will help “turbo-charge” Malaysia’s way forward. 

He said Muda will be offering politics of service and policy, and will prove itself to the rakyat to ensure that they are able to see the changes the party aims to bring. 

Syed Saddiq said once the country has overcome the current flood crisis and Covid-19 pandemic, Muda will embark on a nationwide “listening tour” to gather the views and opinions of all levels of society, before it drafts an inclusive policy for the nation. 

“This is to overhaul Malaysian politics and the structure of our economy. We in Muda cannot think we are a government that knows all, but we must hear from every quarter before drafting our policies.” 

Among others, he said the party aims to get rid of the conventional practice of allowing the party’s top leadership to decide on election candidates. 

“The days of personality politics are over. The handling of the flood (disaster) has proven that Muda is not a party of one person. It really is a grassroots party of unbelievably amazing people.” – The Vibes, December 29, 2021