GEORGE TOWN, Aug 8 — The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) aims to be the people’s Opposition in the Penang state legislative assembly if they win any of the three seats the party is contesting in the state election, said party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
The Muar MP said this will be the scenario if the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity coalition was to retain Penang in the state election.
“After the elections, in Penang, it is most likely that PH-BN will win with a comfortable majority so in that position, in my opinion — I will still have to bring this up to the central executive committee, we will be the people’s opposition, to be the check and balance, we want to be the voice of conscience, the proper alternative and proper voice of the people,” he told reporters after a Muda ceramah at Pantai Jerejak here.
Syed Saddiq visited several places in Penang today, visiting the constituencies that Muda is contesting in; Perai, Batu Uban and Pantai Jerejak.
He said in the event if there is a hung state legislative assembly, Muda’s priority will be the coalition that promotes multiculturalism, diversity, moderation and reform-centred policies.
He said the party will not blindly support any coalition as its ultimate priority is policy concessions.
“Muda’s focus is to be the people’s voice,” he said.
He said they will ensure asset declaration, term limits, decentralisation of power and pro-environment and climate change policies.
Earlier, in his speech, he said the election is important because Muda clearly does not want to take over the federal government or any of the state governments.
“In Penang, the reality of things, they may lose some seats but never ever lose the state government for the time being but do not let them become arrogant and take your votes lightly,” he said, referring to the PH-BN unity government.
He said if those in power were allowed to become arrogant, they will cross the red line one by one because they believed in the security provided by their hardcore supporters.
“There is a way for your to get the best of both worlds, there is a win-win scenario for you, you still get your PH-BN MPs, your PH-BN councillors, your PH-BN state government, and federal government,” he said.
He said if Muda is given the chance to be in the state legislative assembly, it will send a clear message to the federal government to fulfil their promises and focus on reforms instead of dropping criminal cases.
“Each vote for Muda will ensure PH-BN will work harder for the people’s voice to be heard clearly,” he said.
He said Perikatan Nasional (PN) will not talk about policy reforms or be the check and balance for the people but Muda could.
When asked if he believes Muda has a chance in any of the three seats it is contesting, he said they are contesting those seats seriously to win.
He said his reception in Penang was warm throughout the day and at times even surprising.
