Amid Umno exodus, PAS says its doors are open too

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said that the party’s doors are open to any MP, assemblyperson or ordinary member who wants to join it.

"We are open, we welcome anyone to wants to be with PAS including MPs, assemblyperson or ordinary members.

"But we won't protect them if they are involved in corruption, the government must take action," he told journalists in Kubang Kerian today.

His comments come in the wake of the exit of 10 MPs, including former minister Hamzah Zainuddin, from Umno since Thursday.

Similarly, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin had said today that while his party was open towards accepting opposition members who repented their support of "kleptocratic leaders" under the previous government, party applicants could be rejected if they had been involved in corruption or abuse of power. 

Tuan Ibrahim said that with Umno's large membership and financial clout, the exodus of elected representatives should not have happened.

"They (Umno leaders) are being charged in court and faces all kinds of accusations and personal attacks. They have not recovered from a major defeat.

"I think when all of this develops concurrently, sometimes the leadership loses focus.

"But the fact is Umno has its strengths with three million members and billions of ringgit in assets. The current situation should not have happened," he said.

With 54 MPs, Umno initially had the largest number of parliamentary representatives despite losing power in the 14th general election.

It is now left with 38 MPs and is relegated to being the third-largest party behind PKR and DAP.

Former minister Hamzah had warned that more MPs will quit Umno if Zahid did not step down.

Tuan Ibrahim questioned the motives of the MPs quitting Umno. So far, three Umno MPs have joined Bersatu while another joined Parti Warisan Sabah.

"They claimed to have jumped parties so that they can fulfil their responsibilities to the people. But the people don't agree.

"They are making up excuses to justify their actions," he said. -Mkini