Ramkarpal: We must not accept Umno reps, and neither will voters

PETALING JAYA: Umno representatives switching allegiance to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a “dangerous development” because it goes against the will of Malaysians who voted out the Barisan Nasional government in GE14, says Ramkarpal Singh Deo (pic).

In a statement, the Bukit Gelugor DAP MP said Pakatan Harapan would need more principled leaders to carry out its reform agenda.

This reform requires the dismantling of policies and the eradication of corruption that had been rampant under Umno’s rule then.

“The more Pakatan entertains these crossovers, the more disillusioned the rakyat will become with Pakatan.

“It is hoped that the Prime Minister takes heed of the dissatisfaction of the rakyat in entertaining these former Umno representatives, as it would be a great betrayal to the rakyat ... who wanted a real change, not merely a cosmetic one where old faces would still be a part of the new government.

“I wonder if Pakatan were to lose the next general election, would its MPs do the same and easily jump over to the other side?” he asked.

Ramkarpal said the crossover of former Umno leaders could lead to questions regarding Pakatan’s commitment to reform and change.

“These Umno MPs were a part of a system that Pakatan has committed to change.

“In order to do so, we have to first clear the decks, and allowing them into Pakatan would be the complete opposite of this.

“The reason given by these repre­sentatives for their departure that Umno today lacks direction is laughable, because as recently as eight months ago, Umno to them was their one and only direction,” said Ramkarpal.

On Wednesday, Sabah Umno was crippled following an exodus that saw nine out of its 10 assemblymen, five out of its six MPs, and 22 out of 25 division chiefs quitting the party.

It is widely believed that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, chaired by Dr Mahathir, is set to open up a chapter in Sabah, and that these former Umno leaders would be a part of it.