COMMENT | Muda, prove your mettle, go solo for GE15

COMMENT | When Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman decided to establish Muda instead of aligning himself with Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pejuang in early 2021, I thought it was a brilliant move.

Finally, I thought, someone in Mahathir’s camp had realised that it was time for the 97-year-old to call it a day in politics and allow the younger generation to step up.

Syed Saddiq did not have to put it in so many words - his action to set up Muda was enough to send this message – that the younger generations of Malaysians want a say too in running and managing the country and it was necessary for those who had overstayed their welcome in politics to give way.

I support the younger set to seriously partake in politics and Muda could be an effective attraction and a viable political platform for Gen Y or millennials.

The Muda narrative is fresh and positive, whichever way you look at it.

Granted, there are already youth wings in the various political parties but having a party headed and managed by the youths themselves is something totally different.

Indeed, Muda could be a start towards changing the negative perception of how our young people view politics and be a catalyst in attracting more youths towards a political career.

Announcing that Muda’s registration had been approved on Dec 24 last year, Syed Saddiq also stressed that, “we are not here to exact revenge or to burn bridges.

“The main focus of Muda is not to seize power, but to serve the community and ensure that Malaysia will be a developed and diversified country,” the Muar MP had said.

Hello, Syed Saddiq, I think we should cut the grandfather’s story about serving the people and nation. Every politician gave the same crap as their noble desire upon entering politics or when seeking public office.

We know, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“I am in politics to serve the rakyat” remains the most insincere political statement in my book. Why, most YBs would refuse to make way for others but want to serve until they are on their deathbed, if possible!

Hello, there are other ways to serve the people and country too. So, stop spinning the same old fairy tale! This message goes to all politicians.

There must be some personal interests involved for one to take the plunge to form a political party and vie for elected office. These are difficult and thankless tasks.

It also involves financial resources and akin to starting a new business venture, the beginning is always tough.

I can understand Muda’s intention to team up with Pakatan Harapan going into the 15th general election (GE15) but I hope Syed Saddiq and his colleagues will rethink that decision.

In the end, it might be strategically prudent for Muda to go solo into GE15. This is the best opportunity to prove your mettle, Muda.

Establishing Muda last year was such an impressive and gung-ho plan. As I’ve said, I thought it was a brilliant move – the best so far to send the message directly to political godfathers to watch out - Gen Y is ready to be at the forefront of national politics.

But begging to join the Harapan coalition is such a damper. It’s begging because being aware of the resistance from the Harapan youth wings, Muda is still knocking on the coalition’s door, hoping to be admitted.

Understandably, Harapan and Muda share some common ground as Syed Saddiq was with Bersatu, a former Harapan component, going into GE14. Muda could also see the advantages of being latched to an established coalition.

Muda must also be considering its weak financial standing as elections are expensive affairs and being part of a bigger coalition will help reduce the electoral expenses of its candidates. Every little bit helps and sharing an election campaign does help.

And Muda is also aware of its inexperience in fighting a general election and is genuinely keen to learn from the battle-hardened seniors in Harapan.

But I’m not sure whether the real objectives of setting up Muda would be compromised for short-term gains if the youth party gets admitted into Harapan.

I’m also unsure whether Muda intends to be part of the Harapan coalition for the long haul or just seeking an understanding or electoral pact for GE15. Whatever it may be, we are aware that in politics, nothing is permanent.

PKR and Amanah youth wings do not welcome Muda into Harapan and understandably so. The entry of Muda will turn the youth party’s candidates and Harapan’s youth aspirants into direct competitors.

Already, there are only a limited number of seats to go around and fewer are the winnable “white” seats, which are prized possessions to the holders of the respective parties.

It seems that only DAP is most keen to admit Muda as Harapan’s new partner and for selfish reasons, perhaps. DAP hopes Muda will be able to attract Undi18 voters, particularly those in the urban seats where its strength lies.

I wish to ask DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke whether he is prepared to give up some of DAP’s prized urban seats to Muda candidates. No, there is no necessity for Loke to respond. I already know the answer.

Let me put another narrative forward to Muda. Where will the Chinese candidates in Muda be contesting if not in the urban seats where DAP reigns supreme?

Or is Muda not keen to field Chinese or Indian candidates at all? Is Muda making a mistake only by fielding bumiputera candidates?

I think it is vital for Muda to show that it is truly a multi-racial party right from the start. If I were a Muda leader, I would be fielding Chinese candidates in some DAP seats where their incumbents have long been warming their seats and doing very little as MPs.

These are the DAP warlords who have been too comfortable in their respective bastions and worse, unwilling to make way for others.

To Muda, do not worry about failing in your first national election. You will have many electoral battles to fight. I say, give yourself three general elections to make an impact.

My challenge to you - go solo and prove your mettle. You are still young. Time is on your side.

FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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