PKR won't retaliate against Muda out of respect for Amanah, DAP

 

JOHOR POLLS | PKR has decided not to retaliate against Muda for contesting in its allocated seat of Larkin.

Johor PKR chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the decision was made out of respect for Amanah and DAP which had allocated six seats to Muda.

PKR grassroots leader previously cautioned the party may contest in the six seats if Muda fielded a candidate in a seat contested by PKR.

"I regret Muda's action (of contesting in Larkin) as it disrespects the solidarity in the opposition to defend the future of Johoreans.

"However, PKR will not make a similar move to contest in Muda seats as it respects Harapan partners Amanah and DAP," he said.

Yesterday, Muda announced the last of its candidates for the six seats, namely Tenang, Bukit Kepong, Parit Raja, Machap, Puteri Wangsa and Bukit Permai.

However, it also announced a seventh in Larkin which PKR had already announced Zamil Najwah Arbain as its candidate.

PKR did not give Muda any seat after negotiations collapsed.

Syed Ibrahim said if Muda proceeded with the action, PKR will not assist the youth-led party's campaign and will focus its resources on helping Amanah and DAP.

Amanah and DAP had sought to make Muda a strategic partner of Harapan.

"Muda still has until Feb 26 (tomorrow) to reconsider its decision," Syed Ibrahim said.

The official nomination day is tomorrow, which will determine whose name appears on the ballot paper.

Syed Ibrahim cautioned that Muda's move may end up benefitting their common enemy.

Meanwhile, PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir, in a press conference with their candidate in Larkin, urged the party to remain focused on winning the seat.

"Muda's decision to cause a clash within the opposition in Larkin will not distract PKR.

"Muda's action only confirms the public perception of Muda's foolish politics and immaturity differentiating friend and foe," he said.

Akmal said it was within Muda's democratic right to contest in Larkin but questioned their motives.

"Even though there is a risk of splitting the votes, PKR is confident of retaining the seat which was won by Harapan in the last general election," he said.

Bersatu won the seat with an 8,590-vote majority while it was part of Harapan in the 2018 general election. The party left the coalition in 2020.

Akmal said their candidate Zamil is a doctor who runs a local clinic and has been involved in various humanitarian missions. - Mkini