JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 26 – Umno welcomes the intention by Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA) party to contest Johor state election as a democratic normal practice.

Secretary-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said all parties have rights to contest and Umno being the country’s largest party sees it as a political dynamic.

“Go on, no objection since their registration has been approved (by the Registrar of Societies), no one can stop them (MUDA) from contesting. No law can stop them… this is what we call democracy.

“Let me reiterate that Umno is open to this political dynamism after the 14th general election, and we will accept it with candor,” he said after chairing Johor Umno’s secretaries meeting here, yesterday.

MUDA was earlier reported willing to contest solo and has already finalised its list of candidates for all 56 state seats.

Ahmad who is Pontian Member of Parliament said efforts to woo new young voters through the social media has started since the Melaka state election.

He also said that BN manifesto for Johor election is under study and will be finalised by the higher party’s authority.