No talks yet on sacked Umno members joining Pakatan parties, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: There has yet to be any discussion with Pakatan Harapan on the possibility of sacked Umno members joining parties in the coalition, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

"As of now, there has not been any discussions with me on this matter," he said in a brief reply on Tuesday (Feb 7).

The Umno president was asked if Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approached the issue of former Umno members joining parties under its umbrella.

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On Monday (Feb 6), Anwar, who is also PKR president, said the matter would be discussed with Umno leaders, out of respect for the party, which is part of the unity government.

"We take note that some ex-Umno members have expressed their intention to join us. We will discuss it with Umno leaders," Anwar had said.

After more than two decades as political nemesis, Umno and PKR are now part of the current administration.

Their cooperation came when no single party obtained a simple majority in the 15th General Election.

Pakatan component parties are PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko.

Former Padang Besar MP and former Umno supreme council member Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin had voiced his intention to join Amanah.