GERAKAN Tanah Air (GTA) is hoping to finalise its political cooperation negotiations with Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the 15th general election before November 2, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

The GTA chairman however refused to comment on the progress of the negotiations or the problems faced, only hoping it could be resolved soon.

“We are giving two more days because we will decide everything on November 2,” he said at a press conference at the Pejuang headquarters this afternoon.

Asked about those involved in the negotiations, Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir said it involved “all of us” senior party leaders.

He added that PN was represented by its secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, and PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

GTA is a political pact led by Dr Mahathir’s Pejuang and consists of small Malay parties, individuals and civil societies.

Pejuang itself was formed by leaders who had left Bersatu after the Sheraton Move in February 2020.

Dr Mahathir had earlier announced GTA’s first eight candidates for the coming polls, all from Pejuang, including him who will defend Langkawi. 

“Negotiations with PN are still going on, and because there are a few issues that have not been resolved and if they agree to any type of cooperation, we will certainly adjust the candidates so that there is no overlap between Pejuang and PN candidates,” he said. 

Meanwhile, when asked on the possibility of cooperation with Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mahathir said his side was still waiting for Anwar Ibrahim’s response whether he wanted to hold a meeting with him or not.

“I have made it very clear that I am ready to meet anyone, but they must give positive feedback,” he said.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir reiterated his stance that cooperation with his political enemies in the last general election succeeded in overthrowing Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN). 

He said that he was ready to put aside his personal feelings to ensure that Umno and BN no longer became the government. 

“But I am not sure if the opposition leaders have changed their minds and feelings towards Umno, whether they still think Umno will destroy the country or not.

“Or maybe there are opposition leaders who are willing to work with Umno after the election. That is up to them,” he said in a statement yesterday. – October 27, 2022.