Syed Saddiq did not win Muar on his own merit, says Loke

The secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Anthony Loke, has claimed that Muda party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman did not win the Muar parliamentary seat on his own merit in the 15th General Election (GE15). Loke stated that Syed Saddiq’s victory was only possible with the support of Pakatan Harapan and DAP. He reminded Syed Saddiq that he won Muar through an understanding with Pakatan and not solely based on his abilities. Loke emphasized that DAP lent its support to Syed Saddiq by campaigning for him.

In GE15, Syed Saddiq emerged victorious in Muar by a slim majority of 1,345 votes in a three-cornered fight. Loke added that Pakatan had given six seats to Muda to contest, ensuring there were no clashes between the parties. He clarified that Syed Saddiq won by representing Pakatan, as there were also candidates from Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional competing at the time. Loke reminded Syed Saddiq of his responsibility to support the government, as his victory was also due to the support of Pakatan voters.

Loke further mentioned that it is up to Muda to decide whether they will retract their support for the unity government. However, he reminded them that the Pulai voters had voted for political stability and a strong government. Suhaizan Kayat of Amanah won the Pulai parliamentary seat with a majority of 18,641 votes, while Nazri Abdul Rahman of Amanah won Simpang Jeram with a majority of 3,514 votes, an increase from the previous Johor state polls.

On September 5, Syed Saddiq announced that Muda would reassess its position in the unity government after Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was conditionally acquitted. Syed Saddiq referred to DAP as a “lapdog” to Ahmad Zahid, which generated criticism from DAP leaders accusing him of going too far. The High Court granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) to Ahmad Zahid on all 47 graft charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds on September 4.