KLUANG: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has expressed its readiness to join forces with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming Sep 28 Mahkota state assembly by-election, said Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Azmin, who is PN's election director, confirmed that Muda would be campaigning for PN's candidate, Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, in the electoral battle.
He said Muda's involvement would be crucial in engaging with young voters.
"Muda has a strong youth base, which is important as over 52 per cent of the voters in Mahkota are young," he said after a ceramah at the Taman Ilham district polling centre last night.
"The fact that Muda is here sends a positive message, it demonstrates their commitment in assisting PN with campaign efforts, Azmin who is also PN's information chief, said.
Also present were PN Johor chairman Datuk Dr Shahruddin Jamal and Johor Pas commissioner Abdullah Husin.
When asked whether Muda would formally join PN, Azmin said that discussions would take place after the by-election.
Muda is the second party to back PN's candidate after Pejuang, whose president, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, had earlier pledged support for Haizan despite Pejuang not being an official member of PN.
Azmin also shared that he will be attending the wedding of Muda's acting president, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, in Johor Baru this Saturday.
On Sept 12, Muda Johor said the party would sit out the Mahkota by-election and would instead focus on strengthening grassroots support in Johor and implementing the party's rejuvenation agenda.
"We have decided not to contest the Mahkota by-election after several discussions and deliberations with the state committee and central executive committee.
"Our priority is to expand the party's presence in every parliamentary constituency and district within Johor," they said.
The Mahkota by-election is scheduled for Sep 28, with early voting set for Sep 24.