Dr Mahathir may lead new party
Khairuddin says the new party will work with the opposition pact, Pakatan Harapan, to take down the Barisan Nasional
(FMT) – There may be a new political party on the horizon, possibly headed by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Speaking to FMT, former Batu Kawan Umno division vice-chairman Khairuddin Abu Hassan said Mahathir might be staging a comeback in the effort to replace the current government led by a coalition the latter once devoted his life to.
“We are having a meeting this Thursday along with Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, at Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
“Among the matters we will discuss on that day is the formation of a new party to work alongside PH in facing BN during the next general election.
“Mahathir may lead the new team.”
According to Khairuddin, the opposition pact headed by Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Mahathir’s former foe Anwar Ibrahim, has responded positively to the plan.
“We will work with PH to ensure justice and fairness are upheld. We also want to fight corruption and enact institutional reforms.”
This latest development comes merely weeks after Umno Supreme Council members decided to sack party deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and Mahathir’s son Mukhriz Mahathir.
Khairuddin said the duo might be part of the new party although they wouldn’t be attending the meeting as both were currently overseas.
Another former Umno leader, Shafie Apdal, on the other hand, has been invited to participate in the meeting.
“Anyone can join this new party, including Umno members who are unhappy with the current administration,” added Khairuddin.
Mahathir has been working hand in hand with the Opposition under the Save Malaysia banner, sharing the same stage as they promote the Citizens’ Declaration movement calling for the ousting of Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The efforts appear to be unsuccessful, with the Opposition suffering an embarrassing defeat at the twin by-elections in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar, as well in the Sarawak state elections in May.
