MALAYSIAN United Democratic Alliance (Muda) will contest the state elections under its own banner, party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said.

He said the decision was made after taking into consideration of all views.

“Muda has been having discussions on facing the six state elections,” Syed Saddiq told a press conference today.

“Muda has made a decision based on consensus, that it will contest on its own.”

Syed Saddiq dismissed talk that Muda going it alone in the polls would split votes for the unity government pact, which is made up of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional and several other parties.

“We should not be using fear-mongering tactics to justify complacency and arrogance,” he said.

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

Muda had contested six parliamentary seats in last year’s general election after reaching a deal with PH.

Only Syed Saddiq managed to defend his Muar seat.

The other Muda candidates were Lim Wei Jiet (Tanjung Piai, Johor), Mutalib Uthman (Masjid Tanah, Malacca), Siti Rohayu Bahrin (Tanjung Karang, Selangor), Danial Abdul Majeed (Kepala Batas, Penang) and Sharizal Denci (Kota Marudu, Sabah).

Syed Saddiq said one of Muda’s aims is to bring about “new politics”.

“Before this, we have to compromise, but today, we can speak with our own voice,” he said.

“We’ll enter the state elections as the voice of conscience for the people. This will be an alternative for people who do not wish to see the politics of 3Rs (race, religion and royalty) being overplayed. At the same time, they can demand election promises, such as reforms, to be carried out.

“So instead of looking at the two political blocs (PH and Perikatan Nasional), Muda humbly asks for the support of all Malaysians.”

Syed Saddiq said Muda will campaign mostly via online.

“Muda’s first town hall meeting (today) will be via online platforms,” he said.

Syed Saddiq also announced that party information chief Luqman Long will be the election director for the state elections, with Nurainie Haziqah as his deputy. – June 26, 2023.