THE state election fervor is intensifying in six states, even as the polling date remains uncertain. In certain areas, the competition has escalated to a battle of party flags.
Social media users have also been treated to an early display that further ignites the competition.
This state election serves as a litmus test for public support of the unity government, a coalition between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
However, the battleground in these six states has become even more intriguing as the Malaysian United Democratic Party (Muda) announces its decision to contest independently.
During a press conference on Facebook, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman confirmed that the decision was reached after considering various perspectives from party supporters and stakeholders.
Muda's last-minute plot twist has elicited diverse responses, criticisms, and perceptions from netizens and leaders of opposing parties alike.
Muda aims to champion a new political culture and reject "old politics" in the battles taking place in these six states.
The Muar MP firmly states that the decision was prompted by the perceived failure of the two major political blocs in Malaysia, PH-BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN), to fulfill the desires and aspirations of the people and the country.
Moreover, some political parties tend to exploit racial and religious sentiments to instill fear in order to maintain their positions.
Therefore, Muda issues a "warning" that the upcoming state elections will serve as a wake-up call to the nation.
Despite taking the bold step of contesting independently in the upcoming state elections, Muda seems to lack a clear direction.
Netizens have questioned Muda's plot twist, with some believing that this "third force" party lacks principles and a firm stance.
Muda has been accused of being a proxy for former Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in an attempt to undermine the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Some netizens underestimate Muda's surprising move to fight for the future of the people and the country, likening it to the fate Dr Mahathir faced in the 15th General Election (GE15) when he contested independently and lost his deposit.
Although Muda has yet to finalise its candidates and the number of seats it will contest, the party can counter negative perceptions by demonstrating its credibility and commitment to safeguarding the people's interests.
However, winning a single seat in the Johor State Legislative Assembly during the previous state election in Puteri Wangsa does not guarantee Muda's success in the upcoming state elections.
Despite securing a comfortable majority of 7,114 votes in the six-cornered contest, replicating the same achievement is not guaranteed.
Similarly, Syed Saddiq's success in retaining the Muar parliamentary seat in GE15 does not necessarily indicate increased support for Muda.
In fact, his majority decreased to 1,345 votes compared to 6,953 votes in GE14 when he contested under the ticket of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
During a previous media session, Syed Saddiq himself acknowledged difficulties in attracting voters between the ages of 40 and 55, while claiming to have a substantial number of supporters aged 60 and above.
To prove their relevance beyond mere rhetoric, Muda's candidates must work diligently to convince the Malaysian public.
Perhaps challenging themselves by contesting in "unreachable" areas, such as the East Coast states, would demonstrate their commitment rather than merely focusing on advanced states like Selangor.
Muda's demonstrated courage is what will instill confidence in the general public, regardless of age, to vote for the party in the future.
Otherwise, Muda might be left with mere enthusiasm, lacking the necessary capability.
* Nadjwatul Huda Mohd Zuraidi is an Assistant Editor of Sinar Harian.