PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he is prepared to work with Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin if an agreement can be reached on mutual goals for the sake of the Malays.
The former prime minister said that it was important to put the interest of the Malays first and reject those who are involved in corruption and criminal misconduct.
"We want to work together but the end goals must be set out," he was quoted as saying to news portal Malaysia Now.
Dr Mahathir said the Malays have divided themselves into various political powers, which he claimed has weakened their collective strength and hindered efforts to address their concerns.
"We have split into many parties and we have lost power. When we lose power, we cannot correct the circumstances which are detrimental to the Malays," he was quoted as saying.
Dr Mahathir also said that the Malays were no longer behind Umno as they had lost confidence in the party's struggle for their cause.
He said Umno's poor performance in last year's general election where the once-dominant party won just 26 Parliamentary seats was evidence that it was no longer the party of choice for Malays.
"This is why we need to unite. But who is in favour of unity? Not those who are involved in corruption or who have been sentenced to prison.
"Malay voters are thinking about the problems they face. They want someone who cares about their plight and can do something to fix their issues."
Dr Mahathir formed Bersatu alongside Muhyiddin in 2016, with him as chairman and the latter as president. The party was then part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
However, Dr Mahathir was subsequently removed from Bersatu following the Sheraton Move, which caused the collapse of the Pakatan administration.
Dr Mahathir then formed Parti Pejuang Tanahair and the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition, but distanced himself after their dismal performance in GE15.
