Rais Yatim: Dr Mahathir formed new party for him and his son
It was illogical for Dr Mahathir to claim that Pejuang was meant to champion the interests of the Malay-Bumiputera community when the later established Bersatu expressly for that purpose in 2016.
(MMO) – Bersatu leader Tan Sri Rais Yatim alleged in an interview that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad created the new Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) party to provide a platform for his and his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir’s political careers.
The former minister told Utusan Malaysia it was illogical for Dr Mahathir to claim that Pejuang was meant to champion the interests of the Malay-Bumiputera community when the later established Bersatu expressly for that purpose in 2016.
There were also at least three parties already vying to represent the Malay community, he added.
Rais then said he believed the former Bersatu chairman also created Pejuang with a particular angle in mind.
“It isn’t yet clear what the angle is. But what is clear is that he said he would likely be the chairman while his son is the president.
“This, to me, is the purpose of the party to Tun Mahathir,” Rais said in the interview.
The former minister also expressed surprise at Dr Mahathir’s decision, recalling that the latter previously said Bersatu would be the final sanctuary for the Malay community.
