KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) is set to become another player in Sabah's crowded political field with the launch of its main office here.
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman told reporters that the party was not seeking to further split the Opposition in the state.
"Muda will try our best to bridge (Opposition party) leaders and form a strategic pact going into the 15th General Election," he said after opening the Sabah Muda command centre on Saturday (Aug 20).
Muda has not stated if it will contest any seats in Sabah.
Syed Saddiq who is Muar MP said he had great respect for Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He added that Muda and Warisan shared the same vision of building a united, multiracial and prosperous Malaysia.
Asked if there had been any discussion on seats, he said: "The road to the election is long (and) there is still time to try our best to negotiate.
"For Muda, the priority is not just about winning seats, it's about transforming Sabah for good and at times, we have to be patient in that long journey of transformation," he said.
Syed Saddiq also said he would fight "tooth and nail" to ensure the politics of division, racism and religious bigotry do not pollute Sabahans.
"We from Peninsular Malaysia have a lot to learn from Sabahans when it comes to unity," he said.
Sabah Muda also introduced its party line-up for the state, with Amos Thien Tze Tin as state party executive committee chairman.
"We are now better prepared to serve the Sabahan community.
"We as Sabahans ourselves strive to see our beloved state grow to its fullest potential," said Thien.
Muda will have nine divisions in Sabah, namely in Kota Kinabalu, Putatan, Penampang, Ranau, Sepanggar, Sandakan, Tuaran, Semporna and Kota Marudu.