What concerns do Pakatan Harapan component partners have about Umno defectors?

Question

Accepted Answer

Pakatan Harapan Component Partners Express Concerns Over Umno Defectors Joining Bersatu

Pakatan Harapan (PH) component partners have voiced concerns that the movement of Umno members defecting to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) could be a strategy to bolster Bersatu's parliamentary strength. These concerns stem from the potential for such defections to alter the political landscape within the coalition.
Potential for Increased Parliamentary Seats

Bersatu deputy president, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, addressed these anxieties, stating that the trend of Umno members joining Bersatu is not a deliberate tactic to increase the party's number of Members of Parliament (MPs). He explained that such moves are part of democratic practice, where individuals choose parties they wish to join, subject to the leadership's acceptance. Mukhriz highlighted that it is not a certainty that all defectors would join Bersatu, as some might opt for other PH component parties like Parti Warisan Sabah (WARISAN), PKR, Amanah, or DAP.
Reassurance on Coalition Stability

Mukhriz sought to reassure PH component partners, emphasising that Bersatu remains committed to the existing cooperation agreement within the coalition. He stated that Bersatu would not undertake actions that could negatively impact PH as a whole. This reassurance aims to mitigate fears that Bersatu might be strategically positioning itself to gain an advantage at the expense of its coalition allies.
No Protection from Investigations

Furthermore, Mukhriz clarified that Bersatu is not a sanctuary for former Umno leaders seeking to evade investigations by the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). He asserted that any applications for membership would be rigorously vetted, and even after admission, leaders would not be shielded from legal proceedings, allowing the due course of action to proceed. This addresses a potential underlying concern that defectors might be seeking political cover.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What concerns do Pakatan Harapan component partners have about Umno defectors?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends