New political movement should be based on Malaysian concept, not Malay-Muslim agenda, Anwar tells Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of forming a new political movement based on the Malay and Islamic agenda, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should have used a Malaysian approach that takes into account all races in the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Opposition leader said Dr Mahathir has the right to lead a new movement based on the Malay and Islamic agenda, but said he disagreed with the nonagenarian’s idea.

“Space should be given on a Malaysian approach. Malaysians such as the Malays, Indians, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban, should rise and save this country,” he said when met by reporters in Parliament on Thursday (Aug 4).

Anwar said if Dr Mahathir wants to fight for the Malays and Islam, the Langkawi MP should’ve done so when he was the premier for 22 months under the former Pakatan Harapan administration.

“He (Dr Mahathir) should’ve helped them then. But, the appointed Malays did not represent the sentiment of the Malays.

“Malays should realise that the problem in this country was due to the leadership of Malays and non-Malays who have enriched their family members and when they are desperate, they beg for support from all races,” said the Port Dickson MP.

To ensure a better Malaysia, Anwar said it requires good governance and a leadership that’s clean from any elements of corruption.

“Since I was in Parliament 15 years ago, I have asked for investigations against everyone, myself included.

“Anyone found robbing the country’s wealth to enrich their families should be exposed and they must step down,” said Anwar.

Dr Mahathir announced the establishment of a new political alignment at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya on Thursday (Aug 4) evening.

“This is a Muslim Malay group. The move is necessary if we want to save our country, our nation and our religion,” he said during an event on Wednesday (Aug 3) night that was attended by Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se Malaysia (Berjasa) and the National Indian Muslim Alliance party (Iman).

Putra president Datuk Ibrahim Ali had said Dr Mahathir’s idea will involve several Malay political parties as well as NGOs.