IN the run-up to the state elections in Selangor, MUDA is facing challenges in gaining recognition and visibility among voters.
While the party maintains a strong online presence, its influence on the field appears subdued, evident from the attendance at recent ceramahs (talk) and the limited recognition among potential voters.
During a recent ceramah held by a MUDA candidate in Selangor, the audience numbered fewer than five individuals. In contrast, another ceramah featuring MUDA president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman drew a more sizable crowd, with over 50 attendees.
Although the party has successfully garner attention through its online presence, the importance of physical campaign visibility in appealing to voters is emphasised by the observations made by attendees.
Ahmad Faisal, an attendee who was present at a ceramah that did not feature Syed Saddiq, admitted to having limited knowledge about MUDA and a general disinterest in politics.
“But I do know who Syed Saddiq is,” news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT) quoted Ahmad as saying when met at the ceramah in Seri Kembangan.
Similarly, a self-proclaimed staunch supporter of Pakatan Harapan (PH) Nazari Ismail expressed his familiarity with MUDA primarily due to his awareness of the Muar MP association with the party.
According to FMT, his sentiment appears to be shared by many residents in the Klang Valley, who acknowledged a lack of awareness regarding MUDA’s presence and candidates despite the party fielding a significant number of contestants in Selangor.
Moreover, MUDA is contesting 14 seats: Kuala Kubu Bharu, Bukit Antarabangsa, Dusun Tua, Bandar Utama, Pandan Indah, Taman Templer, Seri Serdang, Subang Jaya, Seri Setia, Kota Anggerik, Batu Tiga, Sentosa, Sungai Kandis and Bukit Gasing.
While some individuals could establish a connection between MUDA and the former youth and sports minister, they struggled to identify specific accomplishments or initiatives attributed to the party itself.
“But what have they (MUDA) done? There really isn’t anything we can think of,” said Ivy Koo, 57.
Bukit Antarabangsa resident Aqmal Aiman noted that MUDA’s candidates appeared overshadowed by those from established coalitions like Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
He emphasised that online popularity is not the same as being seen on the campaign trail, “which is crucial in attracting voters”.
Despite their digital popularity, MUDA’s campaign materials such as flags and banners, seem to be sparse in the areas where the party is contesting. This limited on-ground visibility has raised concerns among potential voters, who question how the party intends to attract support without a significant physical presence.
An individual working as a management consultant, preferring the pseudonym Farah and a 38-year-old woman who self-identified as Dania, both noted a scarcity of MUDA flags and banners within the regions where the party is actively participating.
However, a 20-year-old voter from Subang Jaya Natasha Ismail expressed familiarity with MUDA’s ideals but noted a lack of visibility for the party’s candidates during the campaign.
Moreover, an intern at an English language center Wan Nur Insyeerah shared a similar sentiment, stating that she had a general understanding of MUDA’s principles but lacked specific knowledge about the rest of its candidates.
In response to the low turnout at ceramahs, a MUDA leader speaking on condition of anonymity attributed the limited attendance to political fatigue among the public.
The leader highlighted that the party’s engagement with the public during live-streamed ceramahs remained positive despite the physical attendance being relatively low.
As the Selangor state elections continue to unfold, MUDA faces the challenge of transforming its digital presence into tangible support on the ground.
The party’s leaders are likely to strategise on methods to enhance physical campaign visibility and engage potential voters effectively in the remaining campaign period. – Aug 11, 2023
Main photo credit: FMT
