FORMER Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is set to become the new Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) president.
Recall that Wednesday (March 1), it was reported that the 97-year-old veteran politician had joined the Datuk Ibrahim Ali-led party as an advisor.
In a forthcoming party restructuring, incumbent Putra president Ibrahim will relinquish the presidency to the former Pejuang chairperson, according to Utusan Malaysia.
The report also said this could explain why Mahathir was handed the “Member No 1” card, which Ibrahim had previously held before Mahathir joined the party.
“Ibrahim is Mahathir’s loyalist and he personally told me that he wanted to make a sacrifice by giving (Mahathir) a registered (political) channel,” said former Federal Territories Pejuang chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Hassan, who also recently joined Putra, told the Malay daily.
“This is because Ibrahim has faith in Mahathir’s leadership and he’s confident (Mahathir) can spread the party’s influence wider. So, when Mahathir reshuffles the party, Ibrahim said he is willing to accept any position, as long as he can fight alongside (Mahathir).”
On Feb 10, Mahathir announced his decision to leave Pejuang, which he established, along with 12 other members.
This happened after Pejuang, led by Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir ended ties with the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition.
Khairuddin also denied the allegation that Mahathir was dividing the Malays by switching parties frequently.
“It’s just a groundless perception. If we follow Mahathir’s struggles, his ultimate goal has always been to unite the Malays,” he remarked.
Recently, after being appointed a Putra adviser, the nonagenarian told reporters that he joined the party to stand up for the rights of Malays, who he felt had lost political and economic control.
“Although I’m already 97, my heart is still for the struggle of the Malays, who are now facing more problems than the other races. This is not about racism.
“We need to see the Malays getting their share in our country, as now they do not control the economy and politics. If we do not save the Malays, our country will be beset with problems,” Mahathir was quoted as saying.
Mahathir and his son Mukhriz lost their deposits in the 15th general election (GE15) after failing to retain their respective seats in Parliament. – March 3, 2023
Main pic credit: Asia House
