PUTRAJAYA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today announced the impending formation of a new political party, as well as a new coalition body with members of the Opposition.
The new coalition, he said, will operate as a single entity against Barisan Nasional to win the next general election.
Addressing a press conference today, Dr Mahathir said the coalition will feature DAP, PKR and Parti Amanah Negara as its component members.
Dr Mahathir said the coalition has yet to decide on a specific name but will move as a ‘supreme council’ to coordinate efforts from today until the 14th general election.
“We want to form a new government for the country,” he said, adding that the coalition is an extension of the earlier so-called Dr Mahathir-Lim Kit Siang Declaration.
Present were former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, PKR Bukit Katil member of parliament Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, former Umno member Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan and activist Hishamuddin Rais.
Also present was Pas’ Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar. However, there was no indication whether Pas would be part of the new coalition.
On the formation of a new party, Dr Mahathir said it would be done “as soon as possible.” He said he would be one of the leaders to helm the party.
Asked if former Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir would be part of the coalition, he said the duo were in support of the group’s agenda and goals.