Parties like Umno splinter Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) are good for Umno and BN because they will further split the opposition vote, said Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Nazri, who is also Tourism and Culture Minister, this says it would be good if more of such parties are formed.

"I have a different view. Form as many new parties possible, these parties will join as opposition parties and when election time comes, they will split the votes of the opposition because they will be fighting one another to contest for seats, and this gives an edge to BN," Bernama reported him as saying.

Last Tuesday, former Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin submitted an application to register the new party at the Registrar of Societies office in Putrajaya.

Nazri spoke to reporters after the Padang Rengas Umno division meeting official opening ceremony.

He said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak remains in power thanks to Umno's strong tradition of loyalty, especially among the grassroots.

However, the Padang Rengas MP said leaders should also be reminded to remain loyal.

"Many who betrayed the party now are (former) Umno leaders themselves, like Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Muhyiddin Yassin, Mohd Shafie Apdal, Mukhriz Mahathir and Rafidah Aziz," he reportedly said.

Former premier Mahathir is reportedly the pro-tem chairperson of Bersatu, Muhyiddin pro-tem president and former Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz the pro-tem treasurer. 

Former Umno veep Shafie did not join the party, and is reportedly planning to head his own party in Sabah.

Rafidah, who was Wanita Umno chief, did not state any intention to join any splinter party.