Accepting former Umno members nothing to do with past political affiliation, says Dr M

- AP Photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The acceptance of former Umno lawmakers and leaders from Sabah into Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is not based on their past political affiliation, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister, who is also Bersatu chairman, said even DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang has no problems in Bersatu accepting former Umno members.

"Of course, if you do something wrong, you will be rejected," he said. 

Dr Mahathir was asked to comment over dissatisfaction within PKR and DAP over Bersatu's acceptance of former Umno lawmakers and leaders.

On this, Dr Mahathir acknowledged that there are those among Bersatu who are dissatisfied.

"In Bersatu, there are those who are not happy.

"Whether they are not happy or happy, that is personal," told reporters after launching the 20th anniversary celebration of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) and Scholar's Library on Friday (Dec 14).

When asked if accepting former Umno leaders into Bersatu may be seen a betrayal of the people's trust in Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mahathir said he was a former Umno member and formed Bersatu.

"I formed the party (Bersatu) and otherwise, they would not have allowed me to form the party which is also made up of former Umno members," he said.

Dr Mahathir said that those seeking to join Bersatu must first quit their party and become independents.

He added they must also support the government and will be evaluated individually before being accepted into Bersatu.

On a recent photograph of him posing with several Umno leaders which had gone viral, Dr Mahathir acknowledged that they had met up with him.

"No.. they came to see me and tell me that they were going to leave Umno and wanted my advise. Nothing else," he said.

Dr Mahathir was seen sharing a meal and posing with Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, Tan Sri Noh Omar, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Datuk Yahya Abdul Jalil.