Pejuang’s entry into PN marks new push for Muslim unity, says Mukhriz

PETALING JAYA: Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir today expressed hope that the party’s admission into Perikatan Nasional (PN) would mark the beginning of a broader effort to unite the Muslim community and build a more stable, secure, and prosperous Malaysia.

Mukhriz said Pejuang’s entry into PN was aimed at strengthening political cooperation even as the country faces a range of economic, social, security, and political challenges.

“This is not merely about the entry of a party into a political coalition,” he said in a statement.

“Rather, it marks the beginning of a greater unification of forces aimed at saving the country from division, instability, and leadership failures that are increasingly troubling the people.

“It is hoped that this move will serve as a starting point for a larger effort to unite the strength of the ummah and build a Malaysia that is more stable, secure, and prosperous.”

Mukhriz also said the party’s entry into PN was consistent with its stance that the interests of religion, race, and the nation should always take precedence over party and individual interests.

PN’s Supreme Council agreed to admit Pejuang and Parti Wawasan Negara as components during a meeting last night.

PN also comprises PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan, and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.

Pejuang, founded in 2020 by Mukhriz’s father, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, presently has no seats to its name.

It led the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition at the 15th general election in 2022, where it contested 125 parliamentary seats.

However, GTA suffered a crushing defeat, with every one of its candidates, including Mahathir, losing their deposits after failing to secure the minimum vote threshold.

Last week, Mukhriz said Pejuang would field candidates in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, although it does not intend to contest many seats.