Muda will stick to deal with Amanah despite PKR's unhappiness

 

JOHOR POLLS | Muda has maintained that it will contest in Puteri Wangsa for the upcoming Johor polls despite PKR demanding the state seat.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said it stood by the deal with Amanah which agreed to let Muda contest in Puteri Wangsa.

"We have entered into an electoral agreement with Amanah and DAP, we will defend it.

"We will defend the agreement we signed," he told a press conference after the party's launch yesterday.

This was after PKR became upset that Amanah gave the winnable seat to Muda and demanded it.

PKR deputy information chief G Manivanan said his party had wanted to field Johor PKR women’s wing chief Napsiah Khamis but during Pakatan Harapan's internal negotiations, it was decided the seat will go to Amanah.

Johor PKR Women chief Napsiah Khamis

PKR had expressed surprise that Amanah later decided to offer it to Muda.

Amanah's Suhaizan Kayat, who was initially slated to contest in Puteri Wangsa, had said he was not slighted by his party's decision and that they were being magnanimous as there was a greater challenge at hand.

Amanah and DAP have agreed to give six seats to Muda to contest in Johor, namely Tenang, Bukit Kepong, Parit Raja, Machap, Puteri Wangsa and Bukit Permai.

There has been speculation that Muda plans to field its secretary-general Amira Aisya Abd Aziz in Puteri Wangsa.

Syed Saddiq did not divulge details but said there will be a significant women representation among Muda's candidates.

Muda secretary-general Amira Aisya Abd Aziz

Talks with PKR ongoing

Muda's negotiation with PKR is still ongoing but has been frayed. PKR is only willing to give up three Umno strongholds but Muda is seeking, among others, the Gambir seat whose incumbent is Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

PKR's unhappiness about Puteri Wangsa has added to the tension. Muda's public criticism of PKR has also not helped the negotiations.

Syed Saddiq was tight-lipped when asked about the status of negotiations.

He said the matter was best resolved behind closed doors with PKR.

The Muar MP also apologised for Muda's public criticism of PKR.

"We accept it and we learn from it," Syed Saddiq added. - Mkini