PONTIAN: Umno will not attempt to lure former Bersatu members to join the party, says supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan.
He said anyone who wishes to join Umno will have their applications considered by the party's top leadership.
"Umno has no intention of taking advantage of the split within rival parties.
"The party wants to strengthen its position based on its own strengths, principles and grassroots support," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for an additional building for Pontian Hospital here on Sunday (Feb 15).
Bersatu expelled 17 members, including Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin on Friday (Feb 13).
Others expelled were MPs Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang), Kapt Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas) and Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik).
The expelled state assemblymen were Dr Yadzil Yaakub (Bemban, Melaka) and Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin (Sungai Manik, Perak).
Ahmad Maslan, who is also Johor Umno deputy chairman, said that during the Umno general assembly, party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid outlined three key political frameworks as guidance for the future.
"These are the concepts of Rumah Bangsa, Masyarakat Nasional and Kolaborasi Agung. These form the basis for any strategic consideration, including the issue of accepting political figures from other parties.
"Every decision Umno makes must be prudent and in accordance with the party constitution and principles," said Ahmad Maslan.
