MCA, which is a race-based political entity itself, has dismissed the need for Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s bumiputera-only party, saying it would further divide the nation.

Party religious harmony bureau secretary Chris Daniel Wong said Mahathir has come of age, from authoring “The Malay Dilemma” and now forming a new race-based political party.

He said this has once again revealed the former premier’s “racial traits”.

“This divide and conquer strategy never seems to depart from the respected statesman.

“The Chinese community should have seen enough.

“The intention and thoughts of forming a new single race-based political party is only to tear this nation apart further in an age where race-based politics do not appeal to the majority of the electorates especially the Gen-Y,” he added in a media statement.

Wong described Mahathir's intention and state of mind, as well as that of his protegé former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, as “puzzling”.

He pointed out that Muhyiddin had won in previous general elections on the BN ticket - a multi-racial political platform.

“The 'rakyat' should not be fooled by this new political party as there is no end to the means, for it does not serve to integrate the people of all races but rather serves to disintegrate Malaysian society further.

“Racism is back in a new form and the people should be wise to discern and reject it at the first opportunity,” he said.

The new party would be headed by Muhyiddin with Mahathir serving at its chairperson.

According to veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin, Mahathir’s son and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz would serve as the party secretary.