Its president Mukhriz Mahathir said the decision was made after taking into account the views of delegates at the second general assembly of Pejuang today following the party’s poor performance in the November general election (GE15).

“Actually, I have informed the GTA Supreme Council meeting on Dec 6 last year that there was a sentiment among Pejuang members for the party to withdraw from the coalition.

“However, I left a little caveat that I want to wait for the official decision from the party’s general assembly that concluded today,” he told a press conference.

Pejuang, established by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, failed to win any of the seats it contested in November’s parliamentary elections; all its candidates, including Mahathir, lost their deposits.

However, Mukhriz said Pejuang’s stance was to remain open to holding any negotiations with the existing political coalitions in facing the state polls which will take place this year.

“A special committee will be established by the party’s executive council to evaluate all available options. Soon, we will meet with the leaders of these coalitions to explore the possibility of forging cooperation,” he said.

On the strategy for the coming state elections, Mukhriz said Pejuang will choose candidates who are already known and well-liked by the local community and will re-examine which states to contest.