KUALA LUMPUR – Newly-formed Muda shot to social media fame after their efforts to provide flood relief assistance to victims and may test their political support in Johor in the upcoming state polls.
Yesterday, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed Pakatan Harapan’s willingness to work with all opposition parties including Muda, Pejuang and Warisan in the Johor election.
This is a very different tune coming from the Port Dickson MP who snubbed Muda in the Melaka election last year, citing “technical problems”.
Nevertheless, for Muda and the upcoming state polls, it is crucial to have a “united opposition”.
Speaking to The Vibes, party vice-president Muthalib Uthman said whether Muda will contest in Johor, will be decided tonight at the party’s executive committee meeting.
Similarly, Muda has yet to discuss if they would cooperate with any other parties for the state polls.
“Who Muda will work with is still up for negotiation.
“We always believe in a united opposition, so whatever that was mentioned by Anwar (yesterday) will be on the agenda for discussion tonight,” Muthalib said when contacted.
A lingering question is if Muda founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will be contesting for a state assembly seat.
He had already nabbed the Muar parliamentary seat during the 14th general election under the Bersatu ticket, and thus it is possible that the party president may contest state assembly seats within the federal constituency, which comprise Maharani and Sg Balang.
At the same time, given Syed Saddiq was born and raised in the federal constituency of Pulai, it will not be surprising if he contests either the Perling or Kempas seats.
However, Muthalib says Muda has yet to make a decision with regard to potential candidates.
“Personally, if Muda agrees to contest the Johor polls, Syed Saddiq should be one of the candidates in the forefront,” Muthalib adds.
Another possible candidate touted to contest a seat in Johor is Muda’s Secretary-General Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.
However, party sources have yet to confirm her participation for the polls.
On Saturday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad announced the dissolution of the state assembly after an audience with Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
The Election Commission (EC) is expected to hold a special meeting to discuss matters relating to the Johor polls including dates for nomination and voting. – The Vibes, January 25, 2022
