MUDA intends to take on the role of the opposition in the Penang state legislative assembly if the party wins any of the three contested seats in Penang in the state election this Saturday (Aug 12), said party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Syed Saddiq said it is Muda’s stance considering the great possibility that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) unity coalition will win a comfortable majority to form the state government in Penang after the state election.
“After the elections, in Penang, it is most likely that PH-BN will win with a comfortable majority so in that position, in my opinion I will still have to bring this up to the central executive committee, we will be the people’s opposition to be the check and balance.
“We want to be the voice of conscience, the proper alternative and proper voice of the people.
“In the event if there is a hung state legislative assembly, Muda’s priority will be the coalition that promotes multiculturalism, diversity, moderation and reform-centred policies.
“Our party will not blindly support any coalition as Muda’s ultimate priority is policy concessions. Muda’s focus is to be the people’s voice,” he told reporters after a Muda ceramah at Pantai Jerejak last night (Aug 8).
In addition, the Muar MP added that Muda will ensure asset declaration, term limits, decentralisation of power and pro-environment and climate change policies.
“For example, if it’s a land reclamation issue, which is a very sensitive issue, Muda will meet with community leaders to ensure that any development is sustainable and not to the extent that the community’s or the people’s opinion can be ignored.
“It is clear for Muda that we do not support matters in Parliament mindlessly. For instance, when the issue of the LCS (littoral combat ship) arose, I did not remain silent. Instead, I raised it and offered a special resolution for this subject to be discussed in Parliament.
“In this chapter, I’ll advise all Muda leaders to speak out for the common good without being intimidated. Whether we take action or not, we are here to protect our people and must do so. For us, that serves as a check and balance,” Syed Saddiq said.
He said if Muda is given the opportunity to serve in the state legislative assembly, it will send a strong message to the federal government to keep its commitments and concentrate on reforms rather than dismissing criminal charges.
“Each vote for Muda will ensure PH-BN will work harder for the people’s voice to be heard clearly,” he said.
Syed Saddiq, who campaigned in the three state assembly seats contested by Muda, namely in Pantai Jerejak, Batu Uban and Perai, described the response he received as very encouraging and somewhat surprising to him. – Aug 9, 2023
Main pic credit: Facebook/Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman
