KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Malays have nothing to fear from the Malay-Muslim Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) movement, says its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic).
"Even though our movement is limited to Malays only, they (non-Malays) don't have to fear because we have seen that the rule of Malays have given success to non-Malays as well," he said in his keynote address during the Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa) national assembly and launch of Impian Nasional 2040 here on Saturday (Aug 27).
ALSO READ: GTA has more support in Sabah than in the peninsula, claims Dr M
He added that GTA's would only name their candidate for prime minister after securing a victory in the 15th General Election (GE15), as it would be meaningless if they lose.
"This (the prime ministerial candidacy) should not divide us. All those who are part of this movement should only focus on the common goal – to establish a government which is good, honourable, which will not abuse power or give place for any parties or individuals," the former prime minister said.
ALSO READ: Dr M: I only met Ismail Sabri before he became PM
He said it was important for GTA to explain what the movement is about to the people.
He added that the lack of understanding had also caused some to accuse GTA of dividing the people.
ALSO READ: Dr Mahathir says 'no way' GTA will work with Umno
"We are not dividing – we have instead successfully united Malay political parties and we will not fight among ourselves during GE15," he said.
"GTA will field only one candidate in each constituency," he said.
ALSO READ: Dr M: Govt not prepared, GE15 unlikely this year
The Langkawi MP, who is also Parti Pejuang Tanah Air chairman, said he was confident that many Malays were upset with what is going on in the country and would support GTA.
GTA comprises Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman), Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa) and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra). It is also open to participation from Malay non-governmental organisations (NGO), individuals, academics and professional groups.
