MUDA reaffirmed its commitment to operating as a distinct “third bloc” within and beyond Parliament, following questions raised over Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s involvement in a Perikatan Nasional (PN) roadshow.
Syed Saddiq serving as MUDA’s sole voice in the Dewan Rakyat noted the party’s focus on addressing issues such as the rising cost of living, equitable allocations for all MPs and pending institutional reforms.
“MUDA is unanimously committed to functioning as the third bloc inside and outside Parliament and will continue to be a check and balance on both the (government and opposition) blocs in Malaysian politics.
“The issue of MUDA joining the viral (PN) event has been answered by the MUDA leadership,” it said in a statement.
In response to criticism regarding Syed Saddiq’s participation in the PN event, MUDA asserted that the matter has been addressed internally, urging all parties to respect the party’s decision-making authority and rely solely on official channels for announcements.
“Any announcements related to MUDA and its leadership will only be made through the party’s official platforms,” it said.
MUDA acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz on Wednesday (March 13) acknowledged being caught off guard by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement and pledges to discuss the matter with Syed Saddiq.
“The party leadership would meet with Syed Saddiq to discuss the matter,” she said.
Previously denying involvement in the roadshow, MUDA secretary-general Amir Hadi clarified that the decision was not discussed by the party’s executive council.
Moreover, MUDA expressed opposition to the “hasty” constitutional amendments on citizenship, particularly those impacting children, citing concerns over proposed alterations to the Second Schedule, Part II, Section 1(e) of the Federal Constitution.
Last year, the government proposed eight amendments to citizenship provisions, including measures to grant citizenship to stateless children and foundlings, sparking criticism from NGOs and government backbenchers alike. – March 15, 2024
Main photo credit: Malay Mail
