Pejuang seeks to join PN to ‘avoid splitting Malay votes’

PETALING JAYA: Speculation on which coalition Pejuang is likely to join has been put to rest with the party officially seeking to join Perikatan Nasional.Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir revealed that he had written to Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the matter.

He said he asked that Pejuang be accepted as a component party of Perikatan, adding that he also sent the letter to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau.

“It is hoped that Perikatan will consider Pejuang’s request and give a positive response,” he added.

Mukhriz said the decision was made by the party’s executive council two days ago after “exploring all options available for political cooperation”.

He reasoned that it was not good enough just to form electoral pacts to avoid seat clashes and contesting under different party logos.

“It will be more beneficial for all if Pejuang joins Perikatan and contests under Perikatan’s logo.

“This will definitely signify that cooperation between Pejuang and Perikatan is not only limited to the state elections due in June but for the long term,” he added.

Mukhriz said Pejuang joining the coalition would prevent the splitting of Malay votes.

In GE15, all Pejuang candidates –including founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his son Mukhriz – lost their deposits.

Pejuang came under the spotlight recently after Dr Mahathir and 12 others quit the party, with the former prime minister having since chosen Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) as his new political platform.

Dr Mahathir had said that Pejuang’s rejection of Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) was akin to a rejection of him after the party decided to exit the coalition after GE15.