- Reuters
JOHOR BARU: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is urging Umno members to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
The Bersatu chairman said that even if the party is strong, one which deviates would still be rejected by the people.
"Johor used to be an Umno stronghold, but after Umno lost its direction, we have been able to make inroads into the state," he said during the state Bersatu's Hari Raya celebrations held in Taman Johor Jaya here on Friday (July 5).
Dr Mahathir said Umno used to be the only Malay-based party but things were different now as the community is split six ways between as many political parties.
He stressed that it was important for the Malays to unite, as the six political parties were only able to amass 10% of support each and needed assistance from others.
"Those days, I was rooting for the Malays to join Umno but now I am calling them to join Bersatu," he said.
Dr Mahathir said there are already moves to set up more Malay-based parties, which would increase the number up to 10.
He said this would further split up and weaken the Malays.
When asked if a move to invite former Umno members to join Bersatu would cause friction within Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mahathir shrugged it off and said this was not a concern as they are free to look for new members.
