PETALING JAYA: There is a possibility that the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) may not contest in the upcoming six state elections, say sources.
Sources told The Star that there were two reasons that might lead to the youth-based party deciding to sit out the state polls.
The first reason was that Pakatan Harapan was dragging its feet on the party’s application to officially be a part of the coalition, said the source.
"Pakatan Harapan delaying the application is one of the reasons. Ask AMK (Angkatan Muda Keadilan) if they can accept Muda," the source said, while adding that there has allegedly been tension between the PKR Youth wing and the party led by former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman since after the 14th General Election (GE14).
Muda had been waiting on its application to join Pakatan since last September.
However, there had yet to be a decision from Pakatan’s leadership.
"Qualified candidates are also another issue," said the source.
As Malay votes would play a significant role in the elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan and Selangor, the source said there must be an offering from Muda which would appeal to this target group.
"These days, Malay voters want strong candidates who can provide, especially for their own needs," said the source.
Another source said the party has yet to even decide if they will enter the fray when the Pakatan component parties have more or less decided on whether to contest.
"The priority now is to see if Muda can be part of Pakatan Harapan," the source said.
However, it was also highly unlikely that the party would contest on its own, the source added.
Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz reportedly said on May 11 that the party had yet to decide on whether to contest in the six state elections.
She said an announcement would be made once a final decision was made.
She also said that the central leadership would discuss with the state chapters to decide on the direction for the state elections.
Muda made its polls debut in the Johor state elections where Amira won the Puteri Wangsa state seat.
It’s second outing was in the 15th General Election (GE15), where Syed Saddiq became the party’s only MP after retaining the Muar parliamentary seat for a second term.
