Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir has downplayed past hostilities among parties in the loose coalition announced by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, saying it is not unprecedented for former rivals to unite.
In a video posted on TikTok, Mukhriz said the parties within the proposed grouping have openly acknowledged their past differences.
“It’s true, we’re not hiding it at all. But we are willing to set aside those differences.
“Why? Because no matter how great our differences are, they are not as harmful as allowing Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government to continue ruling,” he said.
Mukhriz also said that even his father, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had a dark history with Anwar.
“And the Umno leaders who founded Bersatu were once bitter enemies of DAP. Yet in the 14th general election, they were able to make peace and work together.
“Why? Because back then, the No 1 enemy was Najib Razak and Barisan Nasional. There was something far more dangerous for the country. That is the same principle we hold today,” he said.
He said the Madani government was formed after the 15th general election, when parties that had once betrayed and attacked each other suddenly became allies, simply to muster the numbers to form a government.
“Pakatan Harapan used to accuse BN of being a hotbed of corruption, even shouting the ‘Hoi-Hoi Ya Hoi’ song until their voices went hoarse. And now BN has become part of the Madani family,” he said.
Yesterday, former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said the real test of the loose coalition was whether it can win the next general election and form the government.
However, Rafizi noted that there was little ideological similarity holding the parties together, adding that they had a history of attacking one another.
He said the parties would have to agree on a prime ministerial candidate and Cabinet members, as well as the distribution of positions and key appointments among themselves, if they won enough seats at GE16.
Mukhriz said there was no rush for the loose coalition to name its prime ministerial candidate.
“Our focus is on winning the election first. The question of who becomes prime minister can be discussed later,” he said.
“What we are formulating for the people is a formula that is more honest, more transparent, and most importantly, formed before the election to convince the people (to support us). We hope Malaysians can see this difference and support our efforts,” he said.
Besides Pejuang, the coalition will comprise Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Muda, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, Putra, Berjasa, Urimai, the Malaysian Advancement Party, and the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party.
