PUTRAJAYA: Doctor Mahathir Mohamad upon Thursday (Aug 4) launched a new Malay movement which aims to take on the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) in the arriving elections.
The former prime ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) of Malaysia declared that Gerakan Tanah Atmosphere (Movement of the People) is planning to contest in 120 seats in Peninsula Malaysia. These will primarily be Malay vast majority seats.
“We are not being racial but this is an effort to fight against a party that swindles, that is UMNO, ” said Dr Mahathir who will be the movement’s chief.
The 4 political parties within the movement are the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa) and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air flow (Pejuang).
It will also include NGOs, academicians and individuals, mentioned Dr Mahathir.
Dr Mahathir, who may be also the leader of Pejuang, stated that the movement can be confident of winning the seats it will contest.
“We are hoping to obtain the support of the individuals, not because they are members of political events but rather Malays that are concerned about their future, ” he said.
He additional that the majority of the poor people in Malaysia are usually Malays.
“This movement aims to solve the problems faced by Malays. It is not about taking away anything from your non-Malays but rather to help Malays get their reveal, ” he stated, adding that broad income gaps between your rich and poor could cause instability in the land.
Dr Mahathir stated that he did not want to set up a brand new party as it would split the votes further.