A Reflection on MUDA's State Election Performance

Muda, PSM, and 39 other independent candidates, along with five associate members of Bersatu and 11 Gerakan candidates, all forfeited their deposits as they failed to meet the minimum requirement of securing at least 12.5 percent of the vote.

Muda managed to achieve over five percent of votes in only four constituencies: Temiang (7.1 percent) in Negeri Sembilan, Subang Jaya (6.4 percent), Dusun Tua (5.8 percent), and Bandar Utama (5.3 percent) in Selangor.

Pakatan Harapan supporters were especially enraged towards what they saw a betrayal by MUDA, whose participation in several battleground Selangor seats had led to a denial of the incumbent government’s 2/3 majority in the state.

From my perspective, I view Muda as an idealistic party driven primarily by Syed Saddiq's personal agenda. While this may sound critical, I struggle to identify any substantial accomplishments that Muda can realistically attain. It seems that Muda's appeal is fueled by a segment of the public who yearn for an idealized Malaysia, akin to escapism in a Bollywood movie.

The state elections have shown as always that most Harapan voters will be strategic voters, motivated by their strong apprehension and opposition towards PAS, in order to uphold the Madani government.

Yet MUDA chose to contest in PH strongholds of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, and took every opportunity to swipe at the unity government for their missteps – all the while taking a light touch towards the rampant racist rhetoric being spread by former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir throughout the campaign.

For example, during the Malacca state election, Muda could have taken a more assertive approach by independently contesting seats when they were denied opportunities by the coalition at the time. Instead, they opted for a risk-free path of non-involvement. Another regrettable aspect is Muda's reliance on established political figures or larger parties to lead and guide them. Unfortunately, these influential figures often prioritize their own interests, including their youth wings' aspirations to contest.

The present political climate does not favor Muda's integration with its partners. Furthermore, these partners have shown little support, leaving Muda in a challenging position. The party must cultivate a strong foundation among urban youth supporters, even though Muda's style of politics may not resonate with rural communities. Concentrating efforts on the latter is imperative.

Muda should devise a short-term strategy to secure a few seats and make a positive impression on both other parties and voters. The party's resources are limited and need to be utilized judiciously, as overspending could prove detrimental. Syed Saddiq must acknowledge that external parties are unlikely to heavily invest in championing Muda.

To put it concisely, Muda currently finds itself in a disadvantaged position, lacking widespread support. It's time to return to the drawing board, formulate pragmatic plans, and consider stepping back for the time being if necessary.