SHAH ALAM — Six women will be contesting seats in the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance’s (Muda) Central Executive Committee (CEC) election for the 2026–2029 term, in what the party says reflects its commitment to strengthening women’s representation in political leadership.
Muda said the candidates come from diverse professional backgrounds — including law, technology, finance and grassroots activism — reflecting what it described as a growing movement of women leaders shaping Malaysia’s political future.
The six candidates are Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, Ainie Haziqah Shafii, Rashifa Aljunied, Geethananthini Paramasivam, Faezrah Rizalman, and Saiyidah Izzati Nur Razak.
Their participation reflects Muda’s commitment to ensuring women are actively involved in decision-making and leadership roles, it said in a statement.
“Women make up nearly half of Malaysia’s population, and their leadership is essential to ensure political decision-making reflects the experiences of all citizens,” the party said.
Among the candidates is Amira Aisya, the Puteri Wangsa state assemblywoman and Muda’s acting president. She has been active in advocacy on governance reforms, transparency and human rights, and currently serves on Johor’s Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee.
Ainie Haziqah, a lawyer and the party’s secretary-general, previously served as Muda’s election director in 2023, overseeing a campaign that fielded more than 50 per cent women candidates, which the party described as a first in Malaysian political history.
Rashifa Aljunied, currently chief of staff to the acting president, is also a contender. She leads initiatives focused on youth and women’s leadership, including programmes that train young Malaysians in policy-making and political advocacy.
Geethananthini Paramasivam, an accountant and entrepreneur, has served as secretary of Muda Federal Territory and chief of the MUDA Kepong division. Her campaign focuses on strengthening transparency and internal accountability within the party.
Meanwhile, Faezrah Rizalman, Muda Sabah state chief, brings experience in the technology sector, having previously worked as a software engineer and technology entrepreneur while advocating for digital policy development and economic opportunities in Sabah.
The sixth candidate, Saiyidah Izzati Nur Razak Maideen, known as Cheda, is a lawyer and community organiser based in Shah Alam. She has been involved in legal reform advocacy and grassroots humanitarian work, including initiatives supporting flood victims and underserved communities.
Muda said encouraging women to contest leadership positions is part of its broader effort to close the gender gap in politics.
“Expanding women’s participation in political institutions will help ensure that policy discussions and decision-making better reflect the realities and experiences of Malaysians," it said.