According to The Star, Dr Mahathir also said that all leaders present during the meeting on Tuesday agreed to address issues faced by the Malays.
Among those present at the meeting include Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) president Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president Mukhriz Mahathir who is also Dr Mahathir’s son.
“This is not to deny the rights of the non-Malays,” he said.
“Don’t assume that our movement is anti-non-Malays. We are not against non-Malays; anything we do in future, we take into consideration the rights of others.”
He added that it was important for the Malays in the country to unite regardless of the state elections, as disunity will only make them weak.
Dr Mahathir also said that parties which have signed the Malay Proclamation have agreed not to compete with each other at the polls and are also considering contesting together, according to Malaysiakini.
“All of us agreed on the need to move forward together. This includes during elections, because we cannot do much if we do not hold (political) power,” he reportedly said.
Last Thursday, Dr Mahathir announced that he is prepared to work with Muhyiddin if the two leaders can reach a consensus on mutual goals, including efforts to champion the Malay cause and to reject those involved in corruption or criminal misconduct.
“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 … This is why we need to unite,” he told Malaysia Now.
Dr Mahathir, who led the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition in the 15th General Election last year, failed to defend his Langkawi seat – his first electoral defeat in 53 years. He lost his deposit after finishing fourth in a five-cornered fight, which was won by PN’s Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah.
Source: CNA
