Signing Malay proclamation does not mean Bersatu will work with GTA in state polls, says info chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu leaders who signed the Malay proclamation sponsored by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad did so on an individual basis, says Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris (pic).

He said as such, the gesture does not mean that the party was cooperating with Dr Mahathir's Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) in the upcoming state elections.

"I signed the proclamation not on behalf of the party, but as an individual," Razali told reporters at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Wangsa Maju here.

Razali said he had signed the document after attending a buka puasa event held by Dr Mahathir's GTA.

The Malay proclamation was launched in March by Dr Mahathir and aims to unify the community whose political power it claims has "fallen from their grasp after the 15th General Election".

"There was no talk of seat negotiations or working with GTA. It was just to support the idea of Malay unity as the community is now divided with so many NGOs and political parties," Razali said.

His comments also followed the signing of the document by top leaders from PAS, who were Dr Mahathir's political rivals.

PAS and Bersatu were in the Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition, and were expected to field candidates in the state elections due in July.

GTA was also expected to contest in the state polls where it will face Perikatan and ruling parties in the unity government.