IPOH: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) takes criticisms with open arms including that the party does not add value to Pakatan Harapan, says Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

The Muda president said he understood the criticisms lashed out against the party and would deal with these internally.

“We understand that we are new and there are criticisms against us.

“We accept these criticisms against us with open arms,” he told The Star when met at Gua Matsoorat here on Sunday (Sept 25).

Earlier Sunday, PKR treasurer-general William Leong had reportedly said that Muda does not add value to Pakatan Harapan if the party joins them.

Leong said the coalition’s grassroot would be demoralised, having worked tirelessly on the ground but have to hand Muda some constituencies to contest in during the 15th General Election.

Syed Saddiq added that he had written a letter to PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail informing him that Muda was open to meet with them to address their concerns.

The Muar MP said the party was focused on returning democracy to the country.

“We are open to the discussion so that we can work together and build a united front to defeat Barisan Nasional,” he said.

When asked if he is ready to face the possibility of being declined to join Pakatan, Syed Saddiq said he would only focus on what is on the table now.

“I’ve told all our party leaders and members to focus on the people first before anything else.

“Even on discussion about seat allocation, it will be done internally but our main focus right now is to address the upcoming monsoon season,” he said.