MUAR, Nov 2 — The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has today named its president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman as the Muar candidate for the 15th general election (GE15), after deliberations following his court case.

After the announcement by party deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, who is also Muda’s elections director, Syed Saddiq said tonight is the time when he renews his vows with Muar voters.

"Please give me the opportunity to again champion the people of Muar.

"For me, Muar has a special place as it is the first place I was given the chance to serve in 2018,” he said in his speech.

Last week, Syed Saddiq was ordered to enter his defence on charges of abetting in criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of assets and money laundering by Judicial Commissioner Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid.

The 29-year-old incumbent Muar MP subsequently vowed to clear his name in court, and reportedly said he would let the Muar voters decide his political fate

The event held at the Muarar 99 Hotel here tonight also featured other Muda leaders such as secretary-general Amir Abd Hadi and party co-founder Lim Wei Jiet, who is also Muda’s Tanjung Piai candidate for the election.

On the stage, Amira Aisya described Syed Saddiq as the best candidate to defend the northern Johor parliamentary seat.

"For Muda, Muar is a must-win mission. We want not only a winnable candidate, but one that is accepted by the locals, and one that can also work for the people,” she said of Syed Saddiq’s track record in the constituency.

For GE15, the first-term incumbent is expected to face Muar Umno Youth chief Mohd Helmy Abdul Latif and Johor PAS Commissioner Abdullah Hussin.

In the 14th general election, Syed Saddiq had been the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Youth chief and contested the Muar seat for Pakatan Harapan.

The young politician won with a majority of 6,953 votes to defeat Umno’s incumbent MP at the time Datuk Seri Razali Ibrahim, and PAS candidate Abdul Aziz Talib.

Muda, an electoral partner to PH, has now announced its candidates for five federal seats: Kota Marudu, Tanjung Piai, Tanjong Karang Kepala Batas and Muar tonight.

The Election Commission has set nomination day for November 5 and polling on November 19.