Ex-Umno members want Bersatu as new home, Dr M explains Sabah move

Bersatu's venture into Sabah came as the party found that many former Umno members in the state wanted to become its members, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Bersatu chairperson, in explaining its move to Sabah today, revealed that the party started received requests to set up its branches there since the early part of its formation two years ago.

The party leadership however was of the opinion that it was not the right time then, added Mahathir.

"When the party was formed, there were already Sabahans who expressed their intention to join Bersatu. But at that point of time, we were of the opinion that it was not the right time for Bersatu to set foot in Sabah.

"Because we were concerned that it might causes problem that would affect our performance in the general election," he said in his speech at the launching ceremony of Sabah Bersatu in Penampang today.

According to Mahathir, after the election brought upon a transition of administration at both the federal and state levels, it became more clear that many Umno members had intended to leave the party.

These Umno members, he said, were of course looking for other political parties to continue serving the country.

"They were free to join any party in Pakatan Harapan, but we found that the biggest chunk from those who wanted to join Harapan were interested to join Bersatu.

"Many of them had made trips to Kuala Lumpur to show their sincerity to join Bersatu.

"We waited for a long time, nearly a year after Harapan was elected into power. This time we believe that the time has come for us to set up Bersatu in Sabah," said Mahathir.

In his speech, Mahathir also asserted Bersatu's support to the Shafie Apdal-led Warisan, which is the Sabah ruling party and Harapan's ally in the state.

He reminded Bersatu members in the state that they are there not to challenge Warisan but instead to help strengthen their allies in Sabah.

"It is not our intention to come to Sabah to bring down this or that people, or to form our own government.

"As members of Bersatu, which is a part of Harapan, we will support the party that rules Sabah today."

Bersatu's Sabah chapter was officially launched in a ceremony held in the state's district of Penampang this evening, which Mahathir described as the largest party launching event he had ever seen.

He said the party has received over 125,000 new membership applications in the state to date.

In his speech, Mahathir also issued a reminder to the new party members against joining politics for self gain, stressing that anyone who abuses their political power would be kicked out from Bersatu. - Mkini