Gerakan Tanah Air, a new coalition based on Malay and Islamic agenda – Dr M
PUTRAJAYA – A new coalition based on the Malay and Islamic agenda known as Gerakan Tanah Air has been unveiled.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the name was chosen because it reflected the struggle of those who loved the country.
The announcement was made by Dr Mahathir in a press conference at Perdana Leadership Foundation here earlier.
He said the movement consisted of political parties, non-governmental organisations, professionals and independent members.
“GTA welcomes the participation from the Malays who are the largest race in the country,” he said.
He said the Malays believed they needed a better political choice to manage the various problems faced in the country.
“On that basis, today we have agreed to establish a political coalition of Malays that we call Gerakan Tanah Air,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said the gap between the Malays and other races was very wide, especially those who live in cities.
“They had to sell their land and retreat to the village where the city is occupied by other races who are more comfortable than in in the countryside,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said the situation should not be allowed to continue as it separated the position of Malays and other races.
“The racial separation is unhealthy and eventually will make the political climate of our country become tense,” he said.
GTA was chaired by Dr Mahathir as a Sponsor Chairman while four party presidents under GTA were elected to be Deputy Chairman.
It consisted of Barisan Jemaah Islamia SeMalaysia (Berjasa) President Zamani Ibrahim, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) President Datuk Ibrahim Ali, Pejuang President Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (IMAN) Datuk Mohammed Mosin Abdul Razak.
Datuk Marzuki Yahya was appointed as GTA’s Chief Secretary.
“Vice-chairman, treasurer and head of information will be renamed after more NGOs join GTA because we want to give them a chance,” he said.
