The speculation that Dr Mahathir Mohamad might once again enter the political ring as the head of a new party has set tongues wagging.

At present, details are vague but more information is expected following a meeting in Putrajaya tomorrow, which would be attended by the former premier and opposition leaders.

Malaysiakini spoke to several of Mahathir’s lieutenants to obtain their views on this new political set-up.

Yesterday, former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan broke the news of the new party, saying it would consist of ex-Umno members.

Elaborating on this today, Khairuddin said in his personal opinion, the party should be a Malay party like Umno.

"This is important because if we succeed in getting rid of all the 'corrupt' leaders in Umno, we can all come back to the party and revamp it.

"The fact is Umno can still be saved," he said.

He also said by being a Malay party, it would not compete with Parti Amanah Negara, PKR or DAP for support.

Similarly, former Umno Langkawi member Anina Saadudin (photo) said a new Malay party is needed to replace Umno.

"We have multiracial parties, religious parties, parties for the Chinese, and Indians, but we have no parties for the bumiputera after Umno became ‘corrupted’," she added.

Umno rebel group Gerakan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia (GKCM) vice-president Rushdan Mohamad concurred that non-Malays already had political options open for them.

Who is going to be in?

Besides Mahathir and the aforementioned rebels, Khairuddin is confident that former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, and Mahathir's son Mukhriz would join the new party.

As for former Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal, Khairuddin said although the Sabah politician has been invited to the meeting, he felt that Shafie should choose a different path.

"My personal opinion is that Shafie should also form a new party that will collaborate with all local Sabah parties including PKR and DAP there.

"This will give them a better opportunity to take over Sabah," he added.

What will the party fight for?

It appears the party would be formed along the Save Malaysia movement, that is to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, tackle corruption, and implement institutional reforms.

Anina said the new entity must be a party that fights for the people, and must not repeat Umno's mistakes, especially with regard to nepotism.

"There should be no handout positions for heirs, whether it is the president's children, cousins, siblings or friends, unless they are truly qualified to bring about political change.

"The party needs to step out of feudal philosophies," she said.

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