News analysis

Mahathir's new party setting out to be kingmaker in next polls

The aim is to win over Malay voters, and possibly cripple PM Muhyiddin's Bersatu

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (in blue jacket) giving a letter of appointment on Wednesday to Mr Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi, who will be contesting the Aug 29 by-election in Perak. PHOTO: BERNAMA
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (in blue jacket) giving a letter of appointment on Wednesday to Mr Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi, who will be contesting the Aug 29 by-election in Perak. PHOTO: BERNAMA
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Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's new Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) is hoping to be the kingmaker in the next general election as it enters a crowded political field with at least five Malay-based parties.

The aim is to capture enough of the Malay vote so that the two-time premier remains a major player, and Pejuang could emerge as the kingmaker if votes are split evenly among the Malay electorate as they did in 2018.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 14, 2020, with the headline Mahathir's new party setting out to be kingmaker in next polls. Subscribe