Muda candidates confident of 'springing a surprise' in polls

 

INTERVIEW | Despite their young age, Muda candidates contesting in the state elections are confident of springing a surprise, this Saturday.

Malaysiakini recently spoke to five of the candidates contesting in Selangor - Azad Akbar Khan (Kota Anggerik), Lisa Redzuan (Pandan Indah), Syaidiyah Izzati Nur Razak Maideen (Batu Tiga), Afriena Shaqira Sariff (Sungai Kandis), and Zayd Shaukat (Subang Jaya) - all of whom expressed hope of being accepted by the electorate.

“Muda is the voice of the people. The check and balances that we do are to ensure all elected leaders do their respective duties well and on the ‘right track’.

“Although (we are contesting for) a small number of seats, Muda is confident (of winning) because there could be elected representatives who had neglected to address the people’s issues,” Syaidiyah Izzati told Malaysiakini.

According to her, Muda will remain the third bloc to provide checks and balances to the administration, and will not join the government, if the party’s candidates won the elections.

Syaidiyah Izzati Nur Razak Maideen

On another matter, Lisa said no questions should be raised about Muda’s source of funds for the election as it is reflective of the people’s support for the party.

Instead, the people should be asking about the lavish funds splurged on election by other bigger parties, she noted.

“Muda does not get funds from huge companies, but we sell otak-otak, nasi lemak... we organise badminton tournaments.

“This is how Muda raises funds. The people’s reception has been excellent and people want to contribute because they are confident Muda can carry their voices into the state legislative assembly,” she said.

Lisa Redzuan

Part of political reform

Afriena Shaqira dubbed Muda a part of the country’s political reform, which could lead to maturity in politics and the acceptance of a third bloc to represent the people’s voice.

“I notice that there is a ‘political uprising’ now. Political ‘tsunamis’ happened in 2008 and 2018, and we are prepared to ride the wave now.

“A lot of things have happened, like Bersatu joining with PAS and BN working with Pakatan Harapan,” she said.

Afriena Shaqira Sariff

For Azad, the racial rhetoric played up by certain political parties could lead to the collapse of the country’s development.

“Malaysia is a multiracial country, so playing the race card can only affect harmony and the country’s stability.

“The focus should be on the economic situation. Muda candidates are very careful about not playing the race card,” he said.

Azad Akbar Khan

The possibility of losing in the state polls did not bother any of the five youngsters, who dubbed it as “part and parcel” of politics.

Zayd said that Muda can still spring a surprise, even if the party loses in the elections.

Citing the multiple electoral losses suffered by PKR previously, Zayd noted how the party rose above the challenge to eventually be accepted by the rakyat to rule at the federal level.

Zayd Shaukat

“Muda will accept (a possible loss), as it would only make the party stronger. It’s all part and parcel of a political struggle.

“To me, what matters is the sacrifices we make for the rakyat. Muda will continue to fight for what we have promised to the rakyat,” he said, adding that the pro-rakyat policies that Muda fights for, such as scrapping pensions for elected representatives, give added value to the party. - Mkini