YOUTH-based Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has decided to stay out of the Malacca elections after not being able to reach an understanding with Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Its founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the decision was made after PH leaders were adamant to give two former Umno reps seats in the polls.

Muda was set to contest in the elections and had held meetings with PH leaders for seat negotiations.

“There was a positive signal at the beginning of our negotiations but at the end unfortunately, PH leaders were eager to let some Umno defectors who had caused the collapse of Malacca government to contest under their banner. 

“Muda is against PH accepting these political frogs because for us, integrity is above all, including seats. 

“Therefore, Muda chooses to not continue the negotiation and stay out of the elections in Malacca,” said the Muar MP.

Syed Saddiq said that Muda would now concentrate on contesting in the 15th general election.

“When they chose to negotiate with the defectors instead of us, who are part of the opposition, I think the message is clear. 

“We will focus on GE15 and will strengthen our party.

“What is the guarantee they would not defect to the other side in the future? So for the people of Malacca, be wise in choosing your representative. Choose values over everything else,” he said. 

Just over a week ago, Syed Saddiq said Muda would contest in the upcoming Malacca elections.

The party is still waiting for the Registrar of Societies to approve its registration but has expressed its willingness to contest under the PH banner in the state polls. 

The Malacca assembly was dissolved last month after four assemblymen withdrew their support for Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali from Umno.

The four were former chief minister Idris Haron (Sg Udang), Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor), Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas) and Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu).

The Election Commission has set Monday for nomination, while polls will be held on November 20.

Earlier today PH announced that Idris and Nor Azman would be given seats to contest. – November 6, 2021.