JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) managed to secure one seat in the Johor polls in the party's first attempt to contest an election since its formation.

Party secretary-general Amira Aisya Abd Aziz won in Puteri Wangsa with a majority of 7,114 votes in a six-cornered fight.

She defeated Barisan Nasional's Ng Yew Aik, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) candidate Dr Khairil Anwar Razali, Perikatan Nasional's Loh Kah Yong, Parti Bangsa Malaysia's Steven Choong Shiau Yoon and Independent candidate Adzrin Adam.

MUDA president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman described the party's sole victory out of seven seats contested as the party's first step in gaining a foothold in the country's political landscape.

"This is a mandate that has been given by the people to MUDA and we need to work harder -- and the people must always be given priority -- and make this a golden standard and the beginning for MUDA.

"I think all of us here acknowledge that MUDA is a new party that was established within two months but brings a new sincerity to politics, not only in the state of Johor but Malaysia as a whole," he said at a press conference at the MUDA Operations Room here today.

Meanwhile, Amira Aisya said MUDA's victory in Puteri Wangsa was in reality not an easy triumph.

"Most people in Puteri Wangsa have never seen the new flag of MUDA, but with the help of all our teams, we have managed to gain the trust of the people.

"And the most important thing when entering this election is not to win but the main purpose is to serve," she said.

-- BERNAMA