PETALING JAYA: Pejuang’s move to quit the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition was not discussed by the party’s top leadership and was a rushed decision, says the party’s deputy president, Marzuki Yahya.
According to Utusan Malaysia, Marzuki said party president Mukhriz Mahathir only considered the views of Pejuang delegates when they convened for its general assembly on Saturday, in making the call.
He said Mukhriz’s actions reflected weak leadership on his part, adding that the party’s direction needed to be clearer to avoid a repeat of its poor electoral outing in the Nov 19 general election (GE15).
“I accept any decision that he makes. It’s just that Mukhriz must give a detailed explanation (on Pejuang’s exit from GTA).
“I also don’t really agree with proposals (for Pejuang) to partner up with other parties. This shows that we’ve strayed from our original purpose,” he told the Malay language daily.
Citing working with Pakatan Harapan as an example, he said such a move would be detrimental for the Malays in the future, because of DAP. He maintained that this was not about racial matters, but ideologies.
“As a party formed with its own purpose, we should not talk about our other options. What we should do is strengthen Pejuang and GTA to continue our struggle for the Malays,” he said.
On Saturday, Mukhriz announced Pejuang’s withdrawal from GTA to focus on strengthening the party. The Pejuang president said he took into account the views of delegates at the party’s general assembly and its poor performance in GE15.
He said Pejuang will remain open to holding any negotiations with other political coalitions in facing the elections which will take place in six states this year.
