GE15: GTA to field Dr M in Langkawi, Mukhriz in Jerlun

PUTRAJAYA: The Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) movement will field candidates in eight seats for GE15, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who will defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat and Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir in Jerlun.

GTA, which is led by Pejuang chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said they were hoping that there would be no clashes with Perikatan Nasional in the eight seats.

The six other candidates will be Pejaung Federal Territories chief Datuk Khairuddin Abu Hassan in Titiwangsa, Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah to defend Kubang Pasu, Mohd Shaid Rosli in Kuala Selangor, Mior Nor Haidir Suhaimi in Tapah and Datin Che Asmah Ibrahim in Sepang.

Dr Mahathir, who announced the eight candidates during a press conference at Pejuang headquarters in Putrajaya on Thursday (Oct 27), also said negotiations with Perikatan are currently ongoing.

"There are some issues we haven't addressed. If we decide on any form of cooperation, we must ensure there are no clashes between Pejuang and Perikatan candidates.

"Nevertheless, we have decided on the candidates and seats they will contest," said Dr Mahathir.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said Pejuang deputy president Datuk Marzuki Yahya is part of a three-person team negotiating with Perikatan, which was represented by coalition secretary general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and PAS vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Dr Mahathir did not reveal what the hurdles were in negotiations between Pejuang and Perikatan.

"Sorry, cannot reveal," said Dr Mahathir briefly.

Dr Mahathir said he would give Perikatan two more days to meet and negotiate.

"We want to finalise everything by Nov 2," said Dr Mahathir, adding that GTA would make another announcement on that date.

On Oct 26, Hamzah said there were no official talks between Perikatan and GTA to cooperate in GE15.

"Officially, not yet. But, maybe (there are informal discussions) between representatives," said Hamzah.

Responding to objections by Pakatan Harapan leaders of working together with GTA and Pejuang in GE15, Dr Mahathir said the door for cooperation was still open.

"We will wait for a response. I already made it obvious that I'm prepared to meet everyone except Umno and Barisan ... but there must be a positive response," said Dr Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir said interested parties could make their intentions known in many ways such as writing a letter.

"Or they can make a special statement, it's very easy," added Dr Mahathir.

Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said on Oct 23 they would not cooperate with GTA in GE15.

GTA comprises four parties, namely Pejuang, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman) and Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa).

Polling day is on Nov 19, while nomination day is on Nov 5