Muda’s incumbent Puteri Wangsa assemblyperson, Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, today reminded her potential contenders to focus on issues in the constituency rather than openly “fighting” for the seat.
Met by reporters in Petaling Jaya, the Muda president said voters’ focus remains on a party’s ability to resolve their issues, rather than internal politicking over “seat ownership”.
“I do not want to interfere in Pakatan Harapan’s discussions.
“However, I have said this before, and I stand by it: a seat does not belong exclusively to any party,” she stressed.
“The seat belongs to the people. Once the state assembly is dissolved, the public does not want to hear about which party owns which seat,” she added.
Amira was commenting on media reports quoting Johor PKR and Amanah leaders, as well as party sources, who indicated that both Harapan components are eyeing to contest the state seat ahead of official nominations on June 27.
On June 16, Free Malaysia Today quoted Johor PKR vice-chairperson Jimmy Puah as saying that the party would represent Harapan in Puteri Wangsa at the upcoming 16th Johor state election.
The Tebrau MP reportedly claimed that the matter had been agreed upon by coalition partners, including Amanah.
Later the same day, however, the online portal quoted Johor Amanah chief Aminolhuda Hassan as denying that discussions with PKR on Puteri Wangsa and another state seat had concluded.
‘The public does not appreciate it’
Commenting further, Amira said, “For Muda, even though I serve as an assemblyperson, we do not regard the seat as our exclusive property.”
“My message to political parties now is to stop being overly preoccupied with fighting over seats because the public does not appreciate it.
“In Puteri Wangsa, there are far too many issues. Flooding, infrastructure, roads, and drains. These matters need urgent attention. Stop fighting over seats and focus on issues affecting the people,” she said.
The Puteri Wangsa seat became a point of contention after Muda parted ways with Harapan, and Amanah was the first to signal its intention to reclaim the constituency it had “given up” in the 2022 state election.
Muda made its electoral debut in the 2022 Johor state election, contesting seven seats and winning only Puteri Wangsa as part of a loose opposition alliance with Harapan parties.
A source close to PKR in Johor earlier today cited speculation that PKR is now eyeing to field its central leadership council member, Maszlee Malik, in Puteri Wangsa, while Amanah is touting the party’s state vice-chief, Zuhan Zain.
When contacted, Maszlee said, “That has yet to be officialised.”
“Wait for the announcement on June 22,” the Simpang Renggam PKR chief told Malaysiakini.
Zuhan, meanwhile, said, “I am ready if instructed by the party to assist Harapan’s victory.”
“Our focus is for Amanah to contest in Puteri Wangsa on a Harapan ticket,” said the Kluang Amanah division chief.
Muda open to progressive-centric cooperation
Amira confirmed that Muda has finalised the party’s total number of contested seats and shortlisted candidates, but declined to comment further, pending an official announcement ahead of nomination day.
“What I can share is that I am proud that Muda has once again succeeded in fielding 50 percent women candidates,” she said, adding that a press conference will be held in Puteri Wangsa on Saturday with an expected announcement of her candidacy.
She further reaffirmed Muda’s pact with PSM in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, first announced on June 15, as a political cooperation that would offer voters a platform built on progressive policies.
On Muda’s cooperation with other opposition parties, Amira noted the rapidly changing developments within Perikatan Nasional between Bersatu and PAS, but maintained the party’s open relations with all sides willing to champion progressive policies.
Multi-cornered contests are expected in the Johor polls with BN and Harapan set to face off in all 56 seats, while PN faces uncertainty after PAS ended political ties with Bersatu. - Mkini
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