KUALA LUMPUR: The notion that Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) is a Malay-focused and Malay-centric coalition does not indicate that it is racist and hostile towards non-Malays.
GTA chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the coalition will uphold the supremacy of the federal constitution and separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judiciary for the non-Malays.
"Do not be afraid of the GTA Malays, (as) we will give other races a place and position in the government," he said in a Facebook statement, today.
Dr Mahathir added that even though efforts were made to reduce the gap between the Malays and other races, the rights for non-Malay businesses and entreprises to flourish were not hindered.
"Since we gained independence, Malaysia has been ruled by a Malay-dominant government. However, the non-Malays have always been a step ahead to the point that the Malays are left behind," he said.
In August, Dr Mahathir announced the formation of the GTA with the aim to strengthen the Malays, particularly in the economic field.
GTA comprises Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman), Parti Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa) and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).