Dr M’s new coalition a no-go for Anwar, says ex PM had 22 months to defend Malay, Islam

KUALA LUMPUR - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim does not support the initiative by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who unveils a new coalition based on the Malay and Islamic agenda, known as Gerakan Tanah Air.

He said that if Dr Mahathir wanted to defend Malays and Islam, he should have helped them when he was the prime minister during the 22 months of governance.

"I'm not supporting the initiative because if he really wanted to defend Malays and Islam, he had 22 months to do that," he told the media, at the Parliament, today.

Dr Mahathir was reported to have introduced a new coalition based on the Malay and Islamic agenda known as Gerakan Tanah Air.

The Langkawi MP said the name was chosen as it represented the struggles of those who loved the country.

Anwar, also Pakatan Harapan's (PH) chairman said the Malay should be aware of the problem in this country.

"I want the Malays to realise the problem in this country is the leaders, regardless of Malay or non-Malay, who are corrupt, who enrich their children and families.

"And in desperate measures, they will beg to get the support from the Malays or their own races including the Chinese or Indian parties.

Anwar said the root of the problem was good governance.

"(That is) what is it? Choose a leader who does not rob and steal wealth.

"Whoever is known to be looting the nation's wealth, enriching children and families, expose them and they should step back," he said.