Johor polls: Muda-PKR seat negotiations fail

JOHOR BAHRU - Official seat negotiations between the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and PKR for the Johor state election has ended after both parties failed to find a consensus.

This is following PKR’s decision to field candidates in 20 seats in next month’s election.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the party had been committed to ensuring there would not be overlapping contests among the Opposition parties as Muda’s focus was to bring about positive changes in Johor.

He also pointed out that in its talks with DAP and Amanah, Muda had managed to prevent a clash of seats.

"Muda also held a series of discussions with the PKR leadership but they have decided to announce candidates in 20 seats which essentially ends official negotiations with MUDA.

"Nevertheless, Muda has notified our wish and intention to avoid overlapping contests between Muda and PKR to DAP and Amanah. Muda is also ever ready to continue negotiations with PKR,” he said in a statement today.

Syed Saddiq said if the situation remains status quo, a special meeting will be held this weekend to decide how the party can move forward.

"If the (Muda-PKR) clash of seats cannot be avoided, then the party leaves it to the people of Johor to decide,” he said.

Amanah and DAP prior to this had offered Muda six seats in the state election, namely Tenang, Bukit Kepong, Parit Raja, Machap, Puteri Wangsa and Bukit Permai.

PKR, before this, was also reported to have offered Muda three seats.

So far, Muda has named its secretary-general, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, as its candidate for Puteri Wangsa.

The Johor state election, with 56 state seats up for grabs, will be held on March 12. - BERNAMA