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MUAR - Malaysia is grappling with both corruption and political problems due to a lack of political will to implement meaningful reforms, according to Muda's Simpang Jeram candidate, Ainie Haziqah.
The lawyer-turned-politician said entrenched political interests and persistent corruption continue to hinder efforts to introduce institutional reforms and better governance.
"Definitely both, because we are lacking the political will to make changes. When I'm talking about corruption, that's one of the biggest things that Muda has been fighting for," she told Sinar Daily.
Ainie said combating corruption remains a core principle of Muda and has been an issue she has consistently addressed as a lawyer and activist.
She revealed that her anti-corruption stance had previously put her at odds with powerful political figures.
"I've been talking against corruption and I have even almost been summoned because of some of the things I said," she said.
The first-time candidate also defended Muda's relevance amid criticism that the party has struggled to distinguish itself from other opposition parties.
She acknowledged that the country's political landscape is dominated by major coalitions, making it difficult for smaller parties to gain traction despite putting forward policy proposals.
"In Malaysia, we have three major coalitions and a lot of attention goes to them.
"Muda has been proposing a lot of new policies and ideas that we want Malaysia to adopt, but unfortunately, we are still lacking the platform and the people to really talk about these ideas," she said.
Nevertheless, she insisted that the party remains committed to pushing for reforms and introducing fresh policies.
The Simpang Jeram seat will see a four-cornered contest involving Nazri Abd Rahman (Pakatan Harapan-Amanah), Datuk Azman Ismail (Barisan Nasional-Umno), Ainie Haziqah Shafii (Muda) and Arshed Yahya @ Awang (Perikatan Nasional-Pas).
