Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, Anwar said the country needed good leadership comprising all Malaysians and not just Malays to ensure good governance.

The opposition leader said while the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition would not split the Malays, the community should not pin their hopes on the same personalities who had caused them the hardship they were currently facing.

“For Malays enduring a tough time, including being in poverty or having their land taken away from them, don’t pin your hopes on the same person who did not defend you.

“That is why I don’t support this initiative, for if you wanted to care for the Malays, you could have done so in the 22 plus months (you were in power),” he said, referring to Mahathir’s second stint as prime minister.

Anwar also said that those who joined the movement did not necessarily represent the Malay community.

He added that Malays should look out for “opportunistic, graft-prone and nepotistic politicians” who were “desperate” and canvassing for votes.

“In desperate times, they would seek votes from Malays or people of their race. We should give space to a Malaysian approach, where Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban and Kadazan folk can stand up and save this country.”

Earlier today Mahathir unveiled the GTA coalition which also comprised Malay NGOs, academics as well as professionals.

The 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).

Mahathir said the movement was aimed at changing the government and going up against Umno in the next nationwide polls.