VOTERS in Muar, Johor, are ready to show their support for Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s Muda in the upcoming general election (GE). 

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight, they said the Muar incumbent’s youth-based party has proven its capabilities despite being new to the political arena. 

Others said they would vote for any party except Barisan Nasional (BN) or parties of those who defected and caused the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to collapse after just 22 months in power. 

A voter who only wanted to be known as Jalil said he would vote for Syed Saddiq or anyone from the opposition.

“The people in this party (Muda) are young, dynamic and we can see what Syed Saddiq has done when people need help.

“From giving assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic to giving aid to students and the people of Muar, they have done that.

“People of the constituency are taken care of. That is what we call a leader, a people’s representative,” the 55-year-old said. 

Jalil welcomed Muda’s electoral pact with PH, claiming it would benefit the opposition. 

He said even if Syed Saddiq does not contest in Muar, he would cast his vote for a Muda or PH candidate. 

“Anyone from Muda or PH is my choice,” the father of four said. 

Another voter, Tee, 34, said he would vote for Syed Saddiq because the Muar MP stayed loyal to the people without betraying them by defecting. 

“Syed Saddiq had the chance to jump (parties) but he didn’t. Instead, he formed a new party with youth and continued helping the people here. 

“He faced pressure, people put (criminal) charges against him but he didn’t back down. He stood by his decision (not to defect). That is the kind of leader I want to vote for,” the businessman said.

Tee said he would never vote for BN or anyone from Perikatan Nasional, or any party that has defectors. 

“I don’t want to vote for BN because our fate would be the same as the last 60 over years and it would be a step backward. 

“When we thought Malaysians were to have changes, some power-crazy politicians defected, causing the PH government to collapse. 

“If it wasn’t for them, PH would have continued to be in government,” he said. 

Tee said he would vote for Muda and hopes Syed Saddiq contests in Muar. 

‘Older politicians should retire’

Goh, 70, from Taman Molek, Muar, said despite his age, he would want to vote for Muda as he wants changes for for Malaysia. 

“I’m old but I want the best for the future of Malaysia. 

“The next generation must have a bright future and that is only possible with good leaders like Syed Saddiq,” the retiree said. 

Goh, who lives with his family of four, said the future is in the hands of youth and that elderly politicians should give them a chance to govern. 

“I’m a retiree. If we (civilians) have a retirement age, we should have one for politicians, too.

“The elderly politicians can be advisers, but I’m sure there are more like Syed Saddiq out there who can lead,” he said. 

Terese, 19, who will vote for the first time, said she would definitely cast her ballot for Muda, claiming they are the party that caught her attention. 

With a leader like Syed Saddiq, she believes the party is on the right path. 

“As a youth, I feel Muda would be the best choice for youngsters. 

“Although the party is made up of youth, they are efficient, they prioritise the people, they give importance to youth and people issues,” she said. 

She said Syed Saddiq made Undi18 possible, which allows her to vote now. 

Terese also said the likelihood of having the youth-based party’s president contest in her hometown only adds to her desire to vote for Syed Saddiq. 

Although Syed Saddiq nor Muda have not announced their GE candidates, it is touted that the Muar incumbent will defend his seat. 

Last month, Syed Saddiq said Muda wants to contest for 15 parliamentary seats, and last week, PH agreed to form an electoral pact with Muda for the GE. 

Muda and PH are currently finalising their terms ahead of the elections. 

Syed Saddiq contested the Muar seat in the last general election under the Bersatu banner and went on to become the country’s youngest minister in Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s cabinet.

When he was sacked from Bersatu after the Sheraton Move, which saw the collapse of the PH government, Syed Saddiq remained an independent lawmaker before launching Muda. – October 17, 2022.