Muhyiddin Yassin has revealed that other races can also join the new political party he is slated to spearhead, but as associate members.

“They will have the same rights except that they can’t vote nor can they contest for posts. But they can be appointed to a post,” he said.

The former deputy premier was speaking to reporters after submitting an application to register the party with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) headquarters in Putrajaya.

He also confirmed media reports that the party would be called Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

While Muhyiddin would assume the post of president, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad would serve as its chairperson.

Meanwhile, citing Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who said that the new party will be approved, Muhyiddin therefore expressed hope that Bersatu will be given approval as soon as possible.

Explaining further on membership, Muhyiddin said the party is open to all bumiputera including Malays, the Orang Asli as well as Sabah and Sarawak natives.

The party’s membership is open to all Malaysians due to the new party’s inclusive, dynamic, progressive and open nature, he added.

“We have the reform agenda and justice for all to protect the rights and welfare of every rakyat regardless of race and religion.”

Create clean, trustworthy government

The former prime minister also read out the draft of the party’s constitution which was submitted to the ROS today.

Below are the new party’s main aims:

  • To fight for the rights of all regardless or race and religion.
     
  • To carry out a thorough reform of the country’s institutions to create a clean and trustworthy government.
     
  • To uphold Islam as the religion of the federation and to respect the rights of non-Muslims to practice their religion peacefully.
     
  • To defend the special rights of the Malays and Sabah and Sarawak natives as well as the rightful rights of all races.
     
  • To strengthen Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and to protect the rights of all races to learn their own mother tongues.
     
  • To protect the fundamental rights of the rakyat as enshrined in the constitution and to uphold values in line with Islam.
     
  • To strengthen the fight against corruption and abuse of power to create a practice of good governance.
     
  • To fight for social justice and to distribute the country’s wealth fairly.
     
  • To defend the rakyat’s welfare and to eradicate poverty regardless of race or religion.
     
  • To fight for the right to obtain quality education for all rakyat.
     
  • To foster peace and unity among races.
     
  • To create unity among Malaysians to save Malaysia.