Muda embraces collective leadership with Amira Aisya at the helm

SHAH ALAM — In a landmark moment for the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Amira Aisya Abd Aziz has been elected president for the 2026–2029 term, signalling a clear shift from the party’s personality-driven origins to a collective leadership model.

The historic first internal party polls saw delegates from 25 divisions nationwide vote for a 25-member Central Executive Committee (CEC) from 31 candidates.

Under Muda's electoral system, the elected CEC members then immediately convened to determine the top leadership roles.

While Leben Siddarth won the most individual votes (110), the committee unanimously appointed Amira—the former acting president and Puteri Wangsa assemblywoman—as the party’s top leader.

Other key appointments include:

• Deputy president: Zaidel Baharuddin

• Vice presidents: Leben Siddarth, Faezrah Wahidah Rizalman, Zarul Afiq, Chew Chuan Yang (Dobby), Dr Siva Prakash

• Secretary-general: Ainie Haziqah Shafii

• Information chief: Rasid Abu Bakar

The leadership change comes after Muda navigated turbulence after party founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman stepped down late 2023 following a court conviction

The party, long seen as a third-party alternative, is now positioning itself strategically ahead of a potential snap General Election, as political observers speculate Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could call polls later this year in line with Melaka and Johor state elections.

Amira inherits the task of uniting a party still recovering from 2023 state election losses and the exit of some local leaders.

In her closing remarks at Sidang Muda, she stressed the leadership’s focus on “amplifying the voice of the people” and delivering on campaign promises.

With a diverse, 25-member committee, Muda is clearly signalling a professionalised, team-driven approach, moving beyond its founder-centric image and laying the groundwork for a more resilient presence in Malaysia’s volatile political landscape.