Pas supporters see Muda as potential partner, not rival

JOHOR BAHRU - Pas supporters in Johor believe Muda has the potential to grow as a political force and should not be ruled out as a future partner, provided it remains open to cooperation.

While Pas remains focused on strengthening Perikatan Nasional (PN), several supporters said Muda’s moderate approach could make it a potential ally in the future.

Trader Khaulah Al Azwar, 48, described Muda as a "good party" and said there was no issue with Pas working together with the party if both sides could find common ground.

“If they are open-minded and willing to join forces, I don't see any problem with it. We can work together as long as it does not go against the principles that we all agree on,” she told Sinar Daily.

She said cooperation should prioritise the interests of the people and maintain agreed-upon values.

In Johor, she said Barisan Nasional (BN) was the better choice as it had long been the dominant coalition in the state.

“Therefore, cooperation with BN through Muafakat Nasional would also be suitable,” she said.

Administrative officer Mohamad Firdaus Adnan, 34, also viewed Muda positively, saying the party had shown potential despite being relatively new compared with established political parties.

He highlighted Muda’s victory in the Puteri Wangsa state seat during the 2022 Johor election as proof that it could attract voter support.

“Muda previously won the Puteri Wangsa state seat and is seeking to build on that achievement by contesting again.

“The party has room to grow and perform well in the future, and we hope it will eventually join PN,” he said.

Firdaus said PN should remain open to welcoming smaller parties that share similar objectives, as expanding the coalition could strengthen its position ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).

Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Luqman Bukhari, 36, said while there was currently no official cooperation between Pas and Muda, such an arrangement could be explored in the future.

He said Muda did not fall into the category of parties Pas viewed as difficult to work with, adding that any cooperation would depend on shared principles.

“At present, there is no official cooperation between Pas and Muda.

“However, looking ahead, Muda is not an extremist party, and Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has repeatedly said that Pas is open to working with any party that shares its principles,” he said.

Despite their openness to cooperation, supporters said any future alliance would ultimately depend on political realities and the willingness of both parties to find common ground.