YOUTH-BASED party Muda has dismissed any possibility of cooperating with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the state elections.

Muda election director Luqman Long said the party is firm on contesting under its own banner in the polls, even if there are attempts by PH to convince it to backtrack on its decision.

“As of this moment, I would love and welcome engagement with PH on reforms, policies and issues that it should tackle while it is in government,” Luqman told The Malaysian Insight.

“But not on seat discussions or political strategy for the state elections or an electoral pact. That is out of the picture.

“We are going on our own, regardless of any attempt made by PH in the future.”

PH has been silent on Muda’s application to join the coalition since the party submitted it last November.

Last week, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announced that the party would contest the state elections under its own banner.

Luqman said Muda’s stand will be the same even if Perikatan Nasional (PN) approaches it to be part of the coalition or form an electoral pact.

“I don’t think we share similar values and traits with PN,” he said.

“It has been all about racial politics. In Muda, we celebrate multiracialism and diversity. I don’t think anytime soon we will have an engagement, especially on an electoral pact (with PN).”

Luqman, who is also Muda’s information chief, however, did not rule out the possibility of working with Parti Sosialis Malaysia in the elections, but added that no discussion has taken place to date.

“There is no discussion on formalising any political electoral pact, but we are open for engagement,” he said.

“Previously, we have engaged with PH. I don’t think we should close the door for engagement with other political parties as well.

“We haven’t had an official meeting with PSM yet. I’m open to the idea. At the end of the day, we want to share our values with the people out there.”

Post-election scenarios

Luqman did not want to speculate on arrangements post-elections if Muda won seats.

“Let’s leave the post-election arrangements for after the polls,” he said.

“I would still push for Muda to be steadfast in its values. Focus on what we can offer to the people. Focus on being the only political party out there that does not treat appointments as political rewards.

“Focus on giving more attention to state developments, climate change issues, the future of children, education and socio-economic issues.”

Luqman said regardless of its stance, Muda will stick to its values.

“I believe there will be 1,001 scenarios after the elections, but I foresee in whatever situation and circumstance, we can chart our own path,” he said.

“I don’t think we are going to form the government by abandoning our values. I don’t think it is within our values to form a government and forget our promises.”

Luqman said as election director, he believes Muda should stand on its own banner to provide a better alternative for the people. – July 5, 2023.