The Gerakan Tanah Air coalition includes his party Pejuang, the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) and Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa).

“This movement is formed in a bid to change the government,” said Mahathir at a press conference here following a meeting with leaders of the four parties as well as several representatives from the NGOs.

He said the main purpose of the coalition was to go up against Umno in the next general election (GE15) and to fight for the interest of the Malays.

Mahathir, who will be the chairman of the coalition, said the focus would be on winning in Malay-majority areas. The coalition is targeting 120 parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia.

The 97-year-old will be assisted by several deputy chairmen who are leaders of the parties in the coalition, namely Zamani Ibrahim (Berjasa), Ibrahim Ali (Putra), Mukhriz Mahathir (Pejuang), Mohsin Abdul Razak (Iman), Pejuang deputy president Marzuki Yahya as secretary-general, as well as representatives from NGOs.

Mahathir said another meeting would be held at a later date with some 100 NGOs to determine their representation in the coalition.

He also said the coalition would be submitting an application to the Registrar of Societies tomorrow, adding that he hoped it would be afforded the same leniency as was shown to Umno with respect to the amendment of their party’s constitution.

When asked if he would be the prime minister candidate for the coalition and contest in GE15, Mahathir said he would not, adding that he would only lead the coalition.

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