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KUALA LUMPUR – Muda secretary-general Amira Aisya apologised for several supposedly confusing tweets about the looming Johor polls after hordes of netizens accused her of spreading lies.
Speaking to The Vibes, Amira admitted her shortcomings and for causing confusion among the public through her videos, which among others, had claimed Umno were behind the Melaka and Sarawak elections, aimed at consolidating its power in the local political landscape.
“I believe in admitting and owning my mistakes when I’m in the wrong. I have caused confusion and for that, I apologise.”
But the youth leader stood by her pleas in the viral video, imploring for Johor voters to return home and to fulfil their democratic duties.
She also stood by her call for the Election Commission (EC) to iron out issues surrounding new and 18-year-old voters who have been unable to clarify their voting status.
“I would still want to implore all Johoreans to come back and practice their right to vote in the Johor election. I also urge the EC to solve the issue of how many Undi18 voters and ARV (automatic voter registrations) have not received confirmation of their parliamentary and state constituencies.
“I hope that their right to vote is not hindered by technical mistakes.”
Since Monday, Amira’s tweets have been on the receiving end of brickbats from fellow netizens accusing her of spreading fake news about the country’s political landscape and its policies.
Saya gesa 2 BENDA!
— amiraaisya (@_amiraaisya) February 7, 2022
Pertama, SPR perlu selesaikan proses Undi 18 dan AVR.
Kedua, SPR perlu permudahkan proses postal voting bagi orang Johor diluar negara.
Semua ada hak untuk mengundi, dan undian inilah yang akan menentukan masa depan Johor 5 tahun akan datang.#JohorBangkit pic.twitter.com/zfCsoOzeK6
Among the claims she made in her controversial video was that Umno triggered the Johor election in anticipation of a low voter turnout, which she said would work in the party’s favour.
Following the criticism, Amira posted a tweet in her defence, insisting all three Melaka, Sarawak, and Johor assemblies could have remained intact if it was not for the agendas of several politicians.
Sewaktu ura-ura DUN Sarawak akan dibubarkan, ramai minta agar ianya dikekalkan.
— amiraaisya (@_amiraaisya) February 8, 2022
Constitutionally it can be done.
Kenapa orang minta dikekalkan?
Sebab tak ada yg nak balik mengundi bila COVID tinggi.
Tambah pula dgn harga flight yg terlalu tinggi. Cuma diubah last minute. https://t.co/vv4O7VyAjw pic.twitter.com/AlYLWZcKJj
On Wednesday, the EC announced that Johor will head to the ballot box on March 12, with nomination day set for February 26 and early voting on March 8.
Tycoon connections
Amira also answered criticism over Muda member and real estate tycoon Datin Dian Lee, after many accused the party of being opportunistic and close-knit to the wealthy.
Lee, a real estate entrepreneur and co-founder of the Clearwater Group boutique property development company, is also the daughter of The Mines Resort co-founder and tycoon Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.
Despite the impressive connections, Amira insisted Dian join Muda in full knowledge of the party’s policies, including their position on asset declarations requirements if elected.
Amira said Muda is a party with members and leaders from different walks of life, all fully aware of the party’s policies and beliefs on transparency and accountability.
“We believe that nobody is above the party’s principles.
“Muda is an open book. We encourage anyone, including our own members, to enquire more about our leadership line-up, policies, and all our work.”
In her tweet, Amira, while sharing Dian’s post, endorsed her effort to conduct in-person surveys in Johor in the run-up to the state polls.
Dian is one of the most hardworking person I’ve met.
— amiraaisya (@_amiraaisya) February 9, 2022
I’m so glad to have her onboard with us.
Many are judging Dian based on her background. I truly invite you to minum minum with Dian.
You’ll never meet someone more genuine and humble.
A true Malaysian 💕 https://t.co/0jBCpI544F
Among the criticisms Amira received following her endorsement were questions of Muda’s sincerity as a party when associating themselves with the elites, and if the rich would end up having a heavy influence on policy-making.
Interestingly, despite the many negative comments, former Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation chairman and Bersatu man Datuk Rais Hussin was among those offering words of support to Amira.
Ignore the noises and haters ! Stay focused on what needed to be done ! Remember Winston Churchill pic.twitter.com/eA8oZqoHpY
— Dr. Rais Hussin (@drraishussin) February 9, 2022
Other grouses posed by unhappy netizens was how Dian, having come from a wealthy background, would apparently be out of touch with the struggles of the ordinary folk, and if Muda were aware of allegations against her father of tax evasion. – The Vibes, February 10, 2022
