Najib: Umno-BN's doors are open to 'Third Force'

Najib - accused of backing the Third Force

SERDANG - The emergence of a “third force” within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is a clear sign of the crisis of confidence that the party is facing, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said it was the unhappiness among the Opposition party’s members that led them to form groups within the party that finally paved the way for the emergence of the third force within the party.

“Whether it is choosing to become part of the third force, joining the new party to be formed by (former supreme council member) Datuk Zaid Ibrahim or joining other parties like Umno, it is all due to the confidence crisis that has hit PKR.

“The confidence crisis that PKR is facing is a result of the loss of faith in the leadership of the party that is felt by its own members,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2010 here on Saturday.

He was commenting on claims by outgoing PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali of the emergence of a so-called “third force” which, while not having much impact on PKR, could indirectly revive Barisan’s fortunes.

Asked if Umno or Barisan Nasional would accept members in the “third force” looking to join them, Najib said the their doors were open to all and this was shown in the recent amendments to the coalition’s constitution that now allowed people to join even as associate members.

“It (opening associate memberships) is not an act of desperation, we are more open and inclusive and we will receive anyone interested in joining the Barisan or Umno struggle.

“We do not know yet if the existence of the “third force” will benefit Barisan or Umno. We will just wait and see,” he said.