Dr M: We don't make deals with criminals

KUALA LUMPUR: We don't make deals with criminals, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said this in response to allegations that a deal was being cut with the 40 Umno MPs who allegedly expressed the desire to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

"We have made no deals with criminals," said the Bersatu chairman at the Anti-Corruption Summit 2018 here on Tuesday (Oct 30).

When asked to address concerns that he was dictating terms in the discussions to bring the Umno MPs over to Bersatu, he said any instances of corruption must be reported.

"If you have found some cases of corruption, you're welcome to report, we will take action, but so far we have not asked for money.

"We have stipulated that the conditions for joining Bersatu is for them to leave Umno, become independent for a period of time and then apply to become a member of our party," he said.

He cited the example of Jeli MP and former International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who had quit as an Umno member on Sept 18 and joined Bersatu on Oct 26.

Earlier, Bersatu's supreme council member Datuk A Kadir Jasin said in a blog post that up to 40 Umno MPs may jump ship and join Bersatu.