Tun Mahathir announces formation of a new Malay party

Former Chairman of the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today announced the formation of a new party based on the Malay struggle.

He stressed that the new party is different from other Malay parties and Bersatu that had allegedly pawned the dignity of the nation, religion and the aim of the fight to those who are hungry for power.

"In the madness of wanting to stay in power, their struggle is to safeguard the interests of the elite to ensure that their support is not lost and that they can remain in power.

"This party will be inclusive and moderate and will show other races that the Malays are not treacherous, keep their promises and do not refuse sincere and principled cooperation.

"With this, we will also ensure that Malaysians from other races will also receive proper protection and treatment, "he said during a press conference announcing the new party here, on Friday.

In the meantime, he said, the new party will not be tied to any coalition party of Pakatan Harapan (PH) or the Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"The basis of our struggle is still eradicating corruption and kleptocracy. Members must hold on to this struggle.

"There is no guarantee for anyone for a particular position in the party or in the government.

"Party members shall accept and practise the provisions of the Constitution and abide by party rules,” he said.

Apart from that, he said, a disciplinary committee will be set up to determine which party laws and regulations will be enforced later.

In the meantime, Dr Mahathir said the new party will field a candidate in the Slim State Legislative Assembly (DUN) By-Election (PRK) on August 29.

However, he explained that the party will not field a candidate in the Sabah State Election (PRN) due to its relationship with Warisan.

"Currently we have not made any decision yet but we have a good relationship with Warisan and we will leave everything to them," he said.

When asked who the new party president was, Dr Mahathir explained that it would be Mukhriz Mahathir and he himself would be the party chairman.