KUCHING: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), led by its president, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, should have stayed with the Unity Government as he won due to support from Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 15th general election (GE15), says a political analyst.
Professor Dr Novel Lyndon expressed little surprise regarding Muda’s decision to withdraw from the Unity Government. He pointed out that in the recent six-state election in Peninsular Malaysia, all Muda candidates lost their deposits while competing against PH-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) candidates.
“I do not foresee any significant impact on the Unity Government, even though it has lost its two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat. Unless the Unity Government seeks to amend the constitution – a move that would benefit the country – I believe the opposition would lend its support,” Prof Lyndon commented.
He also speculated that the decision to leave the Unity Government might be linked to Syed Saddiq’s disappointment with the pending status of the party’s application to join the PH coalition.
Prof Lyndon’s remarks came in response to Muda’s decision to withdraw its support from the Unity Government. He highlighted Muda’s reliance on PH voters for popularity and youth support, noting that Muda had failed to secure a significant foothold compared to Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PH-BN.
“In my view, this is a misguided move. Syed Saddiq should carefully consider forensic analysis and the legal judgment in Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s discharge not amounting to an acquittal,” Prof Lyndon added.
Regarding Muda’s performance in the last GE15 and the recent state elections in six Peninsular Malaysian states, he suggested that Muda should contemplate joining either PN or PH, or risk facing a future akin to parties like Parti Semangat 46, Pejuang, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia.
On Sept 10, Muar MP Syed Saddiq formally withdrew from the Unity Government, citing his dissatisfaction with the sudden halt of Zahid Hamidi’s corruption trial.
Syed Saddiq announced that his party, which holds a single seat in the Dewan Rakyat, would establish a “third force” within the opposition bloc, aiming to be “the voice of the rakyat” and provide checks and balances.
