Pejuang split from Dr Mahathir to bolster Mukhriz’s fight to reclaim political relevance, claim GTA sources
Parti Pejuang Tanah Air’s (Pejuang) recent decision to leave the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition is meant to pave the way for party president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and his faction to make a comeback in time for state elections that are expected this year, sources have said.
(MMO) – A source, who is currently with GTA, alleged to Malay Mail that the move was a deliberate one because the Pejuang faction aligned with Mukhriz is keen to take over the party leadership and forge new alliances.
Previously, the source explained that the faction felt that several leaders loyal to GTA founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad were standing in the way of Pejuang’s progress.
The source said that these individuals were seen as a hindrance due to their commitment to GTA and their opposition to the plans that Mukhriz’s faction has for the party.
“The latest move will possibly see Mukhriz reaching out to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, with the aim of contesting Kedah during the coming state election.
“It is no secret that Mukhriz harbours hopes of a comeback as the Kedah menteri besar as this is the only way for him to remain politically relevant,” said the source, who recently left Pejuang as he felt the new leadership had strayed from what the party stood for when Dr Mahathir had a say.
The same source claimed that Kedah PH chief Datuk Mahfuz Omar was acting as an emissary by arranging a meeting between Mukhriz and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is the coalition’s chief.
However, the source could not confirm when the supposed meeting would happen, adding that the main topic of discussion would be Pejuang’s possible entry into PH as a component party.
