PUTRAJAYA: A Malay-Muslim movement, called Gerakan Tanah Air, has been launched to take on Umno for the upcoming polls, says former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Parti Pejuang Tanah Air chairman said this was to ensure the rights of the Malays are taken care of.
The movement consists of four political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academicians and individuals, he added.
They include the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) and Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa).
“Many Malays have been seen to be troubled over Umno’s rule and the majority of those in poverty are Malays,” Dr Mahathir said at a press conference on Thursday (Aug 4).
He added that the rift between the rich and poor would cause tension with possible conflict of interest.
“If the poor are too poor and the rich are too wealthy, it will cause nationwide instability.
“That is why we formed a Malay-Muslim movement to ensure that the Malays will get their fair share of things in a multiracial country,” he said.
He added that this would not see the Malays taking away other races’ rights, but only to ensure their rights would be taken care of.
“Therefore, we urge Malays who are doubtful of their future to support our candidates who comprise both political parties, NGOs and those who support our cause,” he said.
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