Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin submitted an application to register Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) today.

The pro-tem president also revealed that the party is open to all races, but non-Malays would be associate members who cannot contest for posts or vote in the party polls.

However, Muhyiddin urged all Malaysians irrespective of race to join Bersatu.

Below are his answers during a press conference:

Are there different types of membership for bumiputera and non-bumiputera?

We want to be inclusive. As much as they (non-bumiputera) are not similar but we will give them due recognition.

We want them to play a role in giving their ideas and whatnot, I think they do have such things (ideas). So, as much as we will have normal members, we do have, also, associate members.

What is the number of Bersatu members now?

If you want to register, you can sign (for membership tomorrow). I know most of you (journalists) here have the same spirit.

I want to say that we hope as many Malaysians as possible regardless of race will become Bersatu members once the party is registered.

Some say the formation of (Umno) splinter parties will split the people, especially the Malays.

That is a common statement made maybe because certain quarters feel quite worried. But what is important in a country which practises democracy is that the rakyat have the wisdom to give or reserve their support for any existing political party.

This does not mean that it will lead to disunity because the intention is to form a fair and developed Malaysia.

Has any political party stated its interest to collaborate?

(Yes), informally. I don't think it's appropriate to state it formally (today). Even before the party was formed, we received the views of various quarters instead of just our own opinions.

It was based on the views of several political parties and I think this is something that is positive and encouraging. I hope after the party is registered, further discussions can be held to create a strong political cooperation.

Do you expect support from Umno (members)?

As we were former Umno members, I understand how many have shown their displeasure towards the party’s current leadership.

However, they are not ready to do so openly. For me, we have created a new space that is not open to Umno members only but to anyone who has the same aims.

Do you have plans to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan?

I hope it will be as such. I think that we will not be able to fight alone. As a new political party, I think we should forge close ties with other parties.

Will Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) or Shafie Apdal be in the party's organisation?

In the (party’s) structure which we have suggested, we have the post of chairperson and the most suitable person for the post is Tun himself.

And Tun himself has the interest to assist the things in which the party will fight for.

Will the party support the Bersih 5 rally?

Any effort to state our stand or to fight for the rights of the rakyat like abuse of power and corruption, we will be together with them.

Will Bersatu go against BN in Sarawak?

We’re talking about the whole of Malaysia. This means the party is not for one state only but will cover all states.