[UPDATED] ‘Seasoned’ line-up is the face of M’sia’s future? Khaled Nordin chaffs Dr Mahathir’s GTA

KUALA LUMPUR – In an apparent jibe over former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s newly established Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA), Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin questioned if members of the Malay-Muslim coalition will be the face of Malaysia’s future. 

Speaking about the nation’s political future, Khaled said there must be fresh and young faces. 

However, he said, all GTA had to offer to the people are seasoned politicians. 

“If we look at everyone there, is this the face of Malaysia’s future?

“If we want to talk about the future, there must also be young people and so on, but if you look there (GTA), all of them are seasoned politicians,” he told reporters at the Umno headquarters at Menara Datuk Onn this evening. 

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir announced the formation of GTA, which is aimed at reuniting the community and providing a stable political environment.

GTA will comprise political parties such as Pejuang, Berjasa, Putra and National Indian Muslim Alliance Party and membership is limited to only Malay-Muslims.

The former Johor Menteri Besar said that the so-called “new political alliance” is nothing new and has been seen in previous elections. 

“When it comes to the general election, it will be an effort made to win the heart of the people and influence the society. 

“So, this is not shocking. Don’t tell me all this while they (GTA) have not been for the Malays. 

“But just when you get close to national polls and there is no other way (to convince voters) so this is the only way,” he said. 

Khalid said he hopes that the Malay community will not fall for such “tricks” and “political gimmicks”. 

Asked if he sees GTA as a threat to Umno, he briefly said “everyone can contest in an election.”

“If they want to contest in the election, the party should offer to develop the country instead of ‘killing’ other political parties.” – The Vibes, August 4, 2022