JOHOR BARU – Muda’s core emphasises the politics of values, service and policy heading into the Johor election, said its secretary-general Amira Aisya.
Speaking to The Vibes, Amira said she is aware her party faces an uphill battle in Malaysia’s most southern state but hopes the people of Johor will understand that they aim to bring a fresh political landscape.
“Principally, Muda is a multi-cultural and diverse party aiming to bring positive political changes to Malaysia.
“We are a political party aiming to serve Malaysians regardless of age, gender, race, background or religion.
Hopefully we can create a new political system led by youth where cash is no longer king,” Amira said during a conversation at Damai Seafood Village here.
So far, to tackle Johor, the newly registered party has been on the move around the state to garner feedback from the electorate.
Under the Muda Mendengar (Muda Listens) initiative, Amira explained that the party wants to be prepared heading into the polls ensuring that their manifesto properly addresses the needs of Johoreans.
“Our strategy in terms of the manifesto has to come from the bottom up,” Amira said.
Unlike Melaka, Johor is a larger and much more diverse state.
Amira acknowledged that the people from the northern part of the state have different concerns from those in the south.
Up north, Amira says Johoreans are usually involved in commerce and have complained about increasing bureaucracy, which makes doing business tough.
Meanwhile, throughout Johor, another concern has been housing.
“The housing problem was not just brought up by buyers but also developers and agents. It is tough for Johoreans to get affordable houses.
“At the same time, agents and developers are having a hard time selling,” Amira added.
Crucial for Johoreans in Singapore to be heard
Putting up a realistic front, Amira said the party is aware they may lack the popularity other opposition parties have.
However, in urban seats with a significant number of youth active on social media, Muda believes they do stand a chance.
The same, she said, cannot be said for rural constituencies.
Another concern, she said, would be voter turnout, saying a larger number of voters could swing the election to benefit the opposition.
“During the last election, there were 400,000 Malaysians in Singapore who came back to vote.
“For this election, 80,000 voters are living in Singapore.
“One of the things Muda will push is postal voting to ensure their ballots can reach voting stations on time.
“The voices of these people matter,” Amira said.
Candidate or not, Amira vows to always serve Johor
Given her background of being born and raised in Johor, it has been speculated that Amira may be a contender in the state polls.
However, when asked about her intentions to become a candidate, Amira says she will always serve her state, nevertheless.
“As a Johorean, I have always been taught that the people here must always come back and serve the state.
“Regardless of whether I am a candidate, it does not matter.
“Beyond the election, I will do my best for Johor in any capacity,” she said. – The Vibes, February 6, 2022
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