Pejuang names Dr M and son in top line-up, says no to snap polls

Pejuang, the political bloc formed by Dr Mahathir Mohamad following his fallout with Bersatu last year, today named him and his son Mukhriz Mahathir as part of the party’s top line-up as it awaits approval for its application with the Registrar of Societies.

In a press conference today, Mukhriz said Mahathir would be the chairman while he would be the president.

Former Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya meanwhile is the deputy president.

Mukhriz today repeated his bloc’s opposition to the Covid-19 emergency proclamation, saying it was nothing but Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s bid to remain in power.

However, Pejuang said it was opposed to any move to call for snap polls.

It said having a general election as the country battles the Covid-19 pandemic would be irresponsible, adding that the spike in virus cases was due to the Sabah election in September last year.

“It is not right to have the 15th general election until 2023 at the end of term.

“We should not be exposing people to Covid-19,” said Mukhriz.

He also questioned the effectiveness of the Special Independent Emergency Committee, the 19-member bipartisan advisory body whose members include three representatives from Pakatan Harapan, which Pejuang is not a part of.

“We question what the committee selected and consented to by the Agong can do.

“Can it make a united decision taking into account the three opposition MPs?” he asked.

Last week, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah consented to the appointment of former chief justice Arifin Zakaria to lead the committee to advise him throughout the emergency period which expires in August.

In detailing the nature of the emergency last month, Muhyiddin had said a civilian government would remain despite the suspension of Parliament to prevent snap polls, with all daily activities to be allowed.

He had also promised to call for a general election if the special committee felt that the public health situation was under control.

“This is my commitment which I will fulfil,” he added.