KUALA LUMPUR – Contrary to accusations, Muda has always intended to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) since the party’s beginning, said its deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.
This comes amid claims that the fledgling party is only now wanting to join the opposition coalition after realising that it might not make a significant impact if it contests on its own, with the 15th general election expected to be called soon.
Amira Aisya, who is also Muda’s election director, said the party has been clear and consistent about wanting to work with PH since its application to the Registrar of Societies in September 2020.
However, it faced several setbacks, forcing plans for formal cooperation with PH to be put on hold, she told The Vibes in an interview yesterday.
“Of course, right after (we were registered in December 2020), a lot of housekeeping had to be done for Muda. When we want to enter a coalition, we want to show them that we can add value. We can’t do that if our house is not in order.
But before we even managed to get our house in order, the Johor election was called,” she said, referring to the state election in March.
Despite not being in the same coalition then, Amira Aisya said PH and Muda had still negotiated, resulting in an electoral pact to ensure a minimal number of seat clashes.
“After the election, that’s when we had some time to put our party in order. And at all junctures, we have had it in our mind that we want to work with PH.
“And now that we feel Muda is a bit more stable, we are applying formally (to join PH), although we have worked together informally many times before this.”
Among other things, Amira Aisya said Muda and PH have worked closely on various fronts, including conducting protests and issuing comments on matters of public concern.
Muda’s sole MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who is the fledgling party’s president, had also voted on Budget 2022 in line with PH’s stand, she added.
“I think that is proof enough that we are willing and have always wanted to work with PH.”
In the Johor polls, Amira Aisya won Muda its first state constituency, in the Puteri Wangsa seat. However, the party also drew criticism for not backing down from a direct contest against PKR in the Larkin seat.
This fact still rankles with many in PKR, causing resistance to Muda’s bid to join PH, which certain quarters have described as opportunistic. Analysts have also suggested that it might have dawned on Muda that it would not be able to attract enough votes if it contests on its own.
Muda ready to respond to questions, criticisms from Pakatan
Since Syed Saddiq announced the party’s intention of joining PH on September 6, various PKR voices have said Muda should not be admitted. Even if it is, it must not be given safe seats, they say.
Responding to these apprehensions, Amira Aisya reiterated her party’s stand that it is not vying for PH seats in the upcoming polls and only wants to contest in Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional seats.
“I think (the criticisms) are fair. When a new party wants to join a coalition, there will be uncertainties and doubts. That is the reason why I made a statement saying let’s have a full, frank discussion at one table,” she said, acknowledging the concerns raised.
“If you have any doubts or criticisms against Muda, allow us also the room to clear the air. At the same time, we have made it very clear multiple times that we want to come in to add value to PH, and not to defeat each other.
At the end of the day, we must stay focused on the fact that we have the same goal, to bring back the voices of the people. The best way is by us working together.”
Amira Aisya added that considering PH and Muda share many similar ideas, principles and goals, it would be beneficial for both to cooperate rather than risk the potential of seat clashes in the election.
It is because Muda shares PH’s values on multiracialism that it wants to join the coalition, rather than opt for an alliance with the Malay-based Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, she said.
“People always ask us why (we don’t wish to work) with GTA. The simple answer is Muda has always believed the way to take Malaysia forward is by working together as Malaysians.
“GTA is not that, and that is not something that jives well with Muda, because it is not within our principles and ideology.
“And so, working with PH is the best way for both of us to take the nation forward.” – The Vibes, September 21, 2022
