Ex-Umno members can't hold any positions for one year if they intend to join Amanah, says Khalid Samad

KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has guidelines on whether to approve the application of former Umno MPs and assemblymen intending to join the party, says Khalid Abdul Samad.

“Let them be independent first, and if they are finally accepted, they cannot hold any positions for a year,” said the Amanah communications director, who is also Federal Territories Minister.

On Sunday (Dec 16), Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said Amanah should have an open mind in accepting former Umno members.

Six Umno MPs announced their resignations last Friday (Dec 14), while five MPs, two senators and nine assemblymen from Sabah Umno left the party on Wednesday (Dec 12).

On the use of preventive detention laws, Khalid said it will continue to be used until new laws are drafted.

“We do intend to improve (such) legislation by making them fairer and in line with international standards, but as of now, such laws are not ready yet.

“So existing legislation will be used but it will not be abused," he said at a press conference after launching the use of B10 biodiesel for Kuala Lumpur City Hall diesel vehicles on Tuesday (Dec 18).

“When we use such laws, we do so with values that are aligned with basic human rights,” he added.

He also said that the authorities would not torture detainees or force a confession.

He was replying to a question on the use of laws such as the Security Offences Special Measures Act (Sosma) and Sedition Act 1948 in light of the riots at Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple last month.

On Monday (Dec 17), fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, who was injured in the fracas, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

On Dec 2, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the moratorium (suspension) was being lifted on the legislation, following the temple riots.