Muda contesting in Melaka poll would likely further split votes, say analysts
Political analysts say that the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance’s (Muda) participation in the Melaka state election — whether as independents or under the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) banner — will not be a success.
(MMO) – With no presence or any history in the state, Muda would very likely end up splitting votes, they added.
Muda is a new party formed by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman after he was expelled from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) following a split led by his former mentor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.
Muda is yet to be registered as a political party.
Earlier, Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal had said the latter’s candidates may contest under its banner in the next general election (GE15) if it wishes. Warisan is set to formalise ties with Muda as it looks to expand to the peninsula.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political science professor Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid said running under the Warisan banner may not be helpful to Muda in the long term as Warisan is more of a regional party.
“Youngsters should avoid the impression of being electoral opportunists and instead display a determination to achieve their political ideals. If they were to contest under Pakatan Harapan (PH), being offered difficult seats shouldn’t be a cause for complaint,” Ahmad Fauzi told Malay Mail.
“After all, Muda is the new kid on the block. They lose nothing even if their candidates lose, but a victorious debut will be a bonus that’ll raise the party’s profile come GE15,” he added.
