GERAKAN Tanah Air (GTA) will go it alone in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15) and will not cooperate with any parties involved in corruption or that who had established a government through back door means, said its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Speaking at a press conference while attending the Pejuang women’s wing Pejuanita’s convention in Seri Kembangan today (Sept 16), the former prime minister said GTA already comprised Malay political parties, several civil society groups and individuals from academics and professionals who love the country.
“They want to be involved in politics to help the country return what it once was known, as a clean, efficient and trustworthy Asian tiger,” he pointed out when queried about GTA will cooperate with Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Pakatan Harapan in GE15.
On August 30, Dr Mahathir said GTA was open to discussing with PN regarding cooperation for GE15.
On GTA’s registration status with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), the 97-year-old politician said the matter is expected to be known next month.
“We are waiting for the ROS to decide whether GTA will be registered. I hope it is not registered the day before the dissolution of the government so that we have time to prepare the GTA for GE15,” he said.
GTA – comprising four parties namely Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa and Iman – submitted the application for the coalition’s logo and registration to the ROS on September 6.
When asked if he is ready to become prime minister if GTA wins GE15, Dr Mahathir maintained that so far, he has not made any decisions although many parties are urging him to do so.
Commenting on Budget 2023, the Langkawi MP said it needs to be approved before GE15 is held to avoid problems arising in the future because there is a possibility of changes in the budget policy if the current government loses GE15.
“We are facing the possibility of GE15 being held, so it is up to the government to decide whether they will approve the budget first before holding GE15 or hold GE15 before (approving) the budget,” he acknowledged.
“If GE15 is held before the budget, there will be many problems in the future.” – Sept 16, 2022
