Bersatu will never fight against Harapan parties, Mukhriz tells Umno MPs
BERSATU AGM | Bersatu will not open its doors to Umno lawmakers who are merely looking to cause a rift between the party and other Harapan components, says deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir.
In his winding-up speech at the Bersatu annual general assembly today, Mukhriz cautioned his former Umno colleagues against pitting the party against others in Harapan.
"Do not assume that in order for Bersatu to remain in power with only 16 seats in Parliament, we will need another 30 to 40 seats...
BERSATU AGM | Bersatu will not open its doors to Umno lawmakers who are merely looking to cause a rift between the party and other Harapan components, says deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir.
In his winding-up speech at the Bersatu annual general assembly today, Mukhriz cautioned his former Umno colleagues against pitting the party against others in Harapan.
"Do not assume that in order for Bersatu to remain in power with only 16 seats in Parliament, we will need another 30 to 40 seats to make us stronger against the other (Harapan) parties.
"Are you (Umno MPs) asking us to fight our friends in Harapan? Never, ladies and gentlemen," said Mukhriz to some 1,500 delegates gathered at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
'A strong coalition'
Pointing out that Bersatu's success in the 14th general election was due to support from other Harapan parties, Mukhriz stressed that the party would not welcome Umno MPs out to create tension within their ranks.
"I would like to stress that Harapan is a strong coalition.
"We (Bersatu) will not fight with our friends from PKR, Amanah, DAP... even with Parti Warisan Sabah, we will be together to lead governments at federal and state levels.
"It's okay if they want to join just to add to our numbers. But to join with intentions to cause a rift – sorry no thank you, just stay where they are now," he added.
Mukhriz – who chairs an internal committee to screen leaders crossing over – also reminded ex-Umno leaders wishing to join Bersatu that they should first apologise to the people and the party for their past wrongs.
Of the 16 lawmakers who quit Umno after its election loss in May, Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Bagan Serai MP Noor Azmi Ghazali and Jeli MP Mustapa Mohamed have been accepted into Bersatu.
Another 12 are presently independents, but have expressed support for Bersatu and Mahathir.
The recent wave of departures from Umno to Bersatu had triggered concerns from members and observers, as well as others from Harapan component parties.
Among others, critics cited concern that Bersatu would transform into the party it seeks to replace, aside from rumours of alleged attempts to bolster its strength against other Harapan component parties.
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