JOHOR BAHRU: Despite several rounds of "tough" negotiations, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and PKR are set to clash in at least one state seat in the coming state election - Larkin.

       Muda president Syed Saddid Syed Abdul Rahman confirmed the clash during a press conference in Setia Eco, where he announced that the party will contest three additional seats - Machap, Parit Raja and Larkin.

       "Muda had attempted to negotiate until the eleventh hour, using all available avenues.

       "We will let the people decide the fate of Muda in Johor," said Syed Saddiq.

       Muda state information chief Rasid Abu Bakar, 28, will be contesting in Larkin while 32-year-old state deputy chief Sangaran Rawi Sandiran will be contesting the Machap seat.

       Previously, PKR had announced Zamil Najwah Arbain as its candidate to take on Larkin.

       Zamil had contested the Tanjung Surat state seat during the 14th general election (GE14) in 2018, but lost.

       During GE14, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) contested the Machap and Parit Raja state seats, but lost both to Umno.

       The Parit Raja seat, meanwhile, will be contested by Muda's 28-year-old Fikri Musa, who wasn't present during the announcement because he tested positive for Covid-19.

       Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq said Muda had always been committed to minimise seat overlaps and they are thankful to DAP and Amanah for achieving a consensus on seat negotiations with them.

       "What I want to do now is top focus on our offerings to the people of Johor," added Syed Saddiq.

       The Muar MP said Muda will be releasing its election manifesto in the coming days.

       "Stop the politics of 'dominos', where one state government after the other collapses. This is not stability, but continuous instability that hurts the people." added Syed Saddiq.

       Syed Saddiq also said Muda has always respected PKR.

       "We want to focus on seats won by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Barisan Nasional," he added.

       Previously, it was reported that Muda will be fielding central executive committee members Lim Wei Jiet and Nurafiqah M. Zulkifli at Tenang and Bukit Kepong, respectively.

       Johor Muda chief Mohd Azrol Rahani, meanwhile, was fielded to contest the Bukit Permai seat.

       In GE14, Bersatu won Tenang, Bukit Kepong and Bukit Permai.

       Last week, Johor PKR chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said discussions with Muda were over and PKR will contest 20 seats in the upcoming state election.