PETALING JAYA: The perception that Muda is unwilling to cooperate with the unity government in the coming state elections is unfounded, says party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
He said in a statement that the party had been trying to meet Pakatan Harapan chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but to no avail.
ALSO READ: State polls: Muda to contest on its own
"The presumption that Muda is 'hasty' and unwilling to cooperate is unfounded.
"Our leadership has sent three letters asking for a simple meeting.
"However, not only were we left hanging, but even ridiculed when the Pakatan chief secretary (Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) responded by saying that he had no time to read our letters.
"This was despite the fact that (a date for the meeting was initially set) but cancelled at the last minute.
"Personally, I have tried reaching out to the Prime Minister and his officers on many occasions, in Parliament, outside Parliament, via text messages, among others.
"Unfortunately, there has been no response," he said on Wednesday (June 28).
He added that Muda was not asking for contracts or government-linked company (GLC) posts.
ALSO READ: Muda to turn into 'third force' in state polls
"We merely wanted a meeting so that we can propose a way forward to build a truly multiracial, multi-religious, moderate and reform-centred Malaysia.
"Muda is here to future-proof Malaysia and usher in an era of politics where diversity is celebrated, and power is returned to people-centred institutions instead of being centralised in the hands of the political elite.
"I agree ... that Perikatan Nasional is playing the politics of division and (there is a) need for an alternative.
"Muda wants to be that progressive alternative, instead of engaging in fear-mongering, division and hyper-partisanship, which are being perpetuated by the political elite," said Syed Saddiq.
He said Muda wanted reforms just like DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang sought as well.
Syed Saddiq then went on to question the reforms and current governance practices, citing a long list of "false promises".
"GLC positions are still being treated as political rewards for obedient political elite.
"There is no Political Funding Act, no two-term limit for the Prime Minister, no separation between the Prime Minister's portfolio and the Finance Minister.
"There are no equal allocations for MPs.
"Oppressive laws are still in place, and worse, they are even proposed to be strengthened by this government.
"The so-called reformists are silent on the demand for a pardon, the ... postponement of the Deputy Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) criminal charges, and major scandals like the RM11.2bil defence procurement for LCS," said Syed Saddiq.
ALSO READ: Muar PKR severs all cooperation with Muda in Parliamentary constituency
He said he hoped the rule of law card would not be played just during elections, only for the winners to "cower when in power".
Syed Saddiq said Muda would take part in the upcoming state elections to be the voice of the people's conscience while hoping for a bigger role in providing checks and balances to the government.
He admitted that while the road ahead would be tough for Muda, it needed to learn from experience and even defeat.
On Tuesday (June 27), Lim sounded the alarm over Muda's solo plans for the state polls.
He advised Muda not to be overly hasty and to cooperate with unity government parties in the six state elections instead of contesting solo.
He also suggested that Muda support the unity government’s efforts to build Malaysia up and prevent it from returning to past practices that led to division and corruption.
Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are due to hold state elections soon.
