Muda will likely sit out upcoming state elections

PETALING JAYA: There is a possibility that the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) may not contest in the upcoming six state elections, say sources. They said there are two reasons that may lead to the youth-based party deciding to sit out of the state polls.

The first reason is Pakatan Harapan dragging its feet on the party’s application to be officially 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 tensions between the PKR youth wing and the party led by former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman after the 14th General Election.

Muda said it has been waiting since it submitted its application to join Pakatan last September.

“Qualified candidates is also another issue,” said the source.

As Malay votes will play a significant role in the elections, particularly in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan and Selangor, the source said there must be strong offerings from Muda to appeal to this target group.

“These days, Malay voters want strong candidates,” said the source.

Another source said the party has yet to even decide if they will enter the fray when 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,” the source said.

However, it is also highly unlikely that the party will contest on its own, the source added.

Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz reportedly said on May 11 that the party has yet to decide on whether to contest in the six state elections, with an announcement to be made once a final decision is taken.

She also said that the central leadership will 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. Its second outing was in the 15th General Election.