MUDA is ready to take on the challenge of fighting Umno, PAS, and Bersatu in their strongholds in the general election, the party’s information chief, Luqman Long said.

Luqman told The Malaysian Insight Muda is targeting 15 BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) seats.

“Muda is ready to face any challenge,” he said.

Last week, two Selangor PKR division leaders challenged Muda to stand in Umno and PAS strongholds to prove it was sincere about wanting to join Pakatan Harapan.

They said Muda should not expect to ride on the opposition coalition’s coattails and stand only in safe seats.

Luqman Muda will decide on the seats it will contest after negotiations with the PH leadership.

“Most importantly, the opposition bloc should ensure that there is no issue of overlapping seats and equally focus on fighting Umno-BN and PN,” he said.

“Certainly, the Johor polls experience has helped Muda prepare more thoroughly in terms of the strength of the machinery, preparation of candidates, and policies.

“National and state Muda leaders have also held meetings and discussions to face the challenges in the coming election.”

Muda ran in seven seats but secured only one in its electoral debut in the Johor polls.

Party secretary-general Amira Aisya Abd Aziz won in Puteri Wangsa with a majority of 7,114 votes in a six-cornered fight.

On whether Muda could stand on its own without PH in elections, he said the party is looking forward to sitting down with PH leaders.

“This is not only about Muda’s ability to win votes but to ensure that the opposition can move together as a coalition.

“This is to ensure that the opposition bloc can offer a team that can govern the country after GE15.”

Last week, PKR youth members told The Malaysian Insight that they are not keen having Muda with them under the PH banner in the general election.

They said Muda’s move to stand against PKR in the recent Johor elections still rankled, more so when that resulted in PKR’s defeat.

Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz responded by saying that the party was willing to meet PH and answer questions about its concerns over its plan to join the opposition coalition.

“The Muda leadership and I are ready to hold an official meeting with PH so that we can resolve everything together,” Amira had said.

“Our main goal is to ensure that going into the election, the people are clear and understand what the opposition has to offer.”

Meanwhile PKR chief and PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said the coalition will discuss Muda’s request to join PH as soon as possible. – September 18, 2022.