Muhyiddin registers new party
Aside from all Bumiputera citizens – including Sabahans and Sarawakians – it is also open to all others, but as associate members.
(FMT) – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), a party mooted by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was formally registered today at the Putrajaya headquarters of the Registrar of Societies’ (RoS) by its pro tem president, Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin, who was sacked by ruling party Umno recently, said the new party was open to Malaysians of all races.
“Aside from all Bumiputera citizens – including Sabahans and Sarawakians – it is also open to all others, but as associate members.
“We want to be inclusive. We will give them new recognition.
“We want them to play a role in terms of giving ideas and what not,” Muhyiddin told reporters after the registration.
He explained that non-Bumiputera members, registered as associate members, would share the same rights as regular members, except the ability to vote or compete for positions in the party.
“However, they are eligible to be appointed in any position in the party.”
Muhyiddin also said the party’s main agenda included institutional reforms and the pursuit of justice in order to protect the rights of every Malaysian citizen.
“We want to work towards a clean and transparent government with integrity.
“The whole point is to form a fair Malaysia.”
Muhyiddin also did not rule out the possibility of working with Opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“I hope so (to be able to work with PH).
“As far as I’m concerned, we cannot do it alone. Hence, we hope to be able to work together with other parties.”
The party, formed by the nation’s longest-serving former premier, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will be led by Muhyiddin while Mahathir will be the party’s chairman.
Vice-president is Mukhriz Mahathir while treasurer will be Ainina Saadudin.
Kamarulzaman Habibur Rahman, the chairman of a group of rebel Umno branch chiefs (Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia, or GKCM), will be the secretary of the new party.
The Bumiputera-only party has received criticism for being a “race-based” party, with several individuals including MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Secretary Chris Daniel Wong condemning the party for “bringing racism back onto the political scene.”
