SHAH ALAM: Perikatan Nasional (PN) must make thorough preparations for the 16th General Election (GE16) by positioning itself as a government-in-waiting, ready to take over the country's administration.
Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said such preparations were crucial in view of any eventuality, including the possibility of Parliament being dissolved earlier than expected.
He said PN and its allies must offer a formula that could win public confidence and secure the mandate to form governments in states yet to hold their respective state elections, as well as at the federal level in GE16.
“I regard PN and its allies as a government-in-waiting. If that is how we see ourselves, preparations must be made to convince the people so that we do not become a one-term government, as we have seen happen to Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“How do we build public confidence so that the mandate is given to us repeatedly, rather than just once?” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after Pejuang's 2026 Annual General Assembly at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) here today.
Meanwhile, Mukhriz also expressed delight at the attendance of Pejuang founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the assembly.
He said the former prime minister's presence was particularly meaningful given his health limitations, which made it difficult for him to attend large-scale events.
“I am delighted by his presence because I know his health condition makes it difficult for him to attend events such as this.
“Since September, I believe this is the first major event he has attended. Although he wanted to be here, he was also mindful of the health constraints he faces,” he said.
Mukhriz said Dr Mahathir remained active in preparing speech texts but required assistance from others to deliver his messages.
He said the speech was read out by an appointed representative as Dr Mahathir's voice condition did not permit him to deliver it personally.
The contents of the address, he added, also reflected Dr Mahathir's continued support for the party's struggle.