MUDA president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he took full responsibility for the party’s dismal showing in yesterday’s six state elections. 

The Muar MP said the party’s defeats in all 19 seats it contested will serve as a “maturing experience” for the young candidates. 

He said the party accepted the decisions of the electorate, adding that the state polls were the first steps of a long journey for Muda.

“I think the candidates tried their best but as a president, I need to do better. This is a very humbling experience for us in Muda,” he said last night after the election results were officially announced.  

On the possibility of forming a coalition with other parties, Syed Saddiq said it was time for some reflection, but added that the party remained steadfast in its commitment to be the voice of conscience and to provide checks and balances.

Among the party candidates who lost their deposits were party secretary-general Amir Hariri Abd Hadi, who obtained 1,834 votes in Seri Serdang and  R. Thanusha, who accrued 2,357 in Sentosa.

Muda information chief, Loqman Long could only muster 376 votes in Bandar in Terengganu while in Penang, Viky Harikrishnan collected only 253 votes in Perai.

Candidates lose their deposits if they fail to obtain 12.5% of the vote.

Melanie Ting Yi-Hlin, 23, also lost her deposit after gaining 1,462 votes in Bukit Antarabangsa.

On the other end of the spectrum, Ng Sze Han of Pakatan Harapan (PH) won a record 71,290 votes in the Kinrara seat.

Perikatan Nasional’s Dr Afif Bahardin won by the slimmest majority of 30 votes in Taman Medan seat. – Bernama, August 13, 2023.