SHAH ALAM, June 30 – The President of the Malaysian Democratic Alliance Party (Muda), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, has dismissed claims that his party is unwilling to cooperate with the Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that Muda had previously sent three letters requesting a meeting with Pakatan Harapan (PH), but their requests were not acknowledged. Syed Saddiq expressed his disappointment, saying that Muda seemed to be belittled when the PH Secretary General responded that he did not have time to read their letters.
Despite initially agreeing to a meeting, PH canceled at the last minute, further frustrating Muda’s attempts to engage with them. Syed Saddiq revealed that he had personally tried to contact the Prime Minister and his officials through various channels, but to no avail. This comes after Muda announced its decision to contest the upcoming State Election (PRN) independently, marking a significant shift in the national political landscape. The decision has caused a clash between Muda, PH, BN, and Perikatan Nasional (PN), which consists of PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan).
In response to criticisms from PH veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, who urged Muda to work with the Unity Government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the PRN, Syed Saddiq clarified that Muda did not seek positions in government-linked companies (GLCs) or contracts. Instead, Muda simply wanted a meeting to propose a way forward in building a harmonious Malaysia based on multi-racialism, religious tolerance, moderation, and reform. Syed Saddiq also questioned the progress of the reforms that PH had fought for previously.
He criticized the lack of implementation of the Political Financing Act, the absence of term limits for the Prime Minister, and the overlapping portfolios of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. He further highlighted the continuation of monopolies and concessions, oppressive laws, and the silence surrounding major scandals. Asserting that Muda will participate in the PRN to represent the people’s conscience and act as a check and balance against the Unity Government, Syed Saddiq acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the importance of youth leaders driving Malaysia forward and learning from defeats.
