Zuraida wants top-level meeting to discuss Umno members joining Pakatan

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR incumbent Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin says whether or not Pakatan Harapan should accept Umno leaders in its coalition should be discussed in its presidential council meeting this Saturday (Nov 3).

“There are many interpretations (on that matter). So, let us deliberate on it this Saturday.

“Whatever it is, we have to discuss in the meeting and see whether it’s healthy or not. Because in some situations, it may be good or it may not,” she said to reporters at the Parliament lobby on Monday (Oct 29).

Zuraida was asked to comment on DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai’s remark in a Malay daily that it is unhealthy for Pakatan to accept Umno leaders.

Tan’s statement came following former Umno stalwart Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed’s decision to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) on Oct 26.

The next day, Bersatu supreme council member Datuk A. Kadir Jasin claimed that there is a possibility that as many as 40 MPs from Umno might jump ship.

Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, when met at the Parliament, said that it is inappropriate for Tan to attack Umno leaders who decided to join Pakatan.

He said any comments on that matter should not be made prior to discussions with Pakatan’s top leadership.

“That issue should be discussed during the Pakatan presidential meeting. It is not right for Tan to come up with such statements before discussing it with the Prime Minister."

Pressed further on his thoughts over Umno leaders’ move to join Pakatan, Syed Saddiq said he shares the same view as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad - that those who are facing ongoing graft charges cannot be accepted into the coalition.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik also expressed similar sentiments, saying decisions on such matter should be scrutinised by Pakatan’s top leadership.

“I’m a Minister but I’m just normal party member. I will discuss this with the chairman (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad).”

According to Kadir, who is a veteran journalist, 40 Umno MPs had met with Dr Mahathir and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to discuss jumping ship.

Kadir, however, did not reveal the identities of the Umno MPs.