Faizal concedes new kid on the block Muda is a threat
Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu has conceded that the new kid on the block - the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) - could pose a threat to other political parties with the electoral changes coming in with Undi18.
Despite this, Faizal maintained that unseating the current government would be a challenge, even with the introduction of Undi18 and automatic voter registration.
“When given a role, of course, they (the young people) are enthusiastic. It is true that Muda can be a threat, maybe even to all political parties.
“But we must realise that the youth also have an interest in other parties - including those from Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional - so all parties could make an impact (following Undi18),” Faizal said during a Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) programme yesterday.
The forthcoming Johor snap polls will become the first election in which Undi18 and automatic voter registration will come into effect, with the Election Commission (EC) estimating a 30 percent increase in new voters in the state.
With the 15th general election (GE15) expected to take place in the near future, the snap polls will be an important litmus test on whether Undi18, the automatic voter registration, as well as new parties such as Muda and Pejuang will have an effect on GE15.
It is also widely expected that the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) will field candidates for the first time in the Johor election, especially as Muda co-founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has a foothold as the Muar MP.
Remarking on the idea that election candidates should be under the age of 65, the Bersatu deputy chief commented that the ability of candidates to perform their duties should be the top priority.
“I don’t agree with limiting the age of the candidates. It doesn’t mean anything if they are young, but they can’t do the work, are not trustworthy and are irresponsible,” Faizal said.
Last Saturday (Jan 22), Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar consented to incumbent Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad's request to dissolve the state assembly, paving the way for fresh polls which must be called within 60 days.
The Election Commission (EC) will announce the election date on Feb 9.
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